Shandong's county offers favorable habitats for migratory birds

At Fulong Lake Wetland Park in Shanxian county, Shandong province, a delightful spectacle unfolded as swans and other migratory birds made a stopover. With grace, they spread their wings, gracefully soaring and gliding above the water, painting the scene with breathtaking beauty.

A group of migratory birds frolic on the surface of Fulong Lake. [Photo by Liu Dao and Yu Le/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Fulong Lake Wetland Park, nestled in the southwest region of Shanxian county, spans over 2,100 hectares of water area. Benefiting from its pleasant climate and rich natural resources, the park plays a vital role as a stop for migratory birds. Recent records indicate that the park is currently home to 152 bird species, including notable sightings such as the great cormorant, egret, common kingfisher, and cuckoo.

"Swans have exacting standards for their habitat. Only pristine water, plentiful food, and a secure environment meet their criteria," said Xu Yingjie, director of the wetland management office at the local forestry bureau. "This year, we've counted 400 to 500 swans resting in the park, a significant increase from the fewer than 100 observed in previous years at the same time—a truly spectacular sight," he added.

A large number of swans make Fulong Lake Wetland Park their resting ground. [Photo by Liu Dao and Yu Le/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Fulong Lake Wetland Park has evolved into a sizable lakeside wetland with a nearly 100-kilometer radius, owing to Shanxian county's persistent ecological protection and restoration efforts. This development has fostered excellent environmental conditions conducive to bird breeding and habitation. (Edited by Zhang Ying)