As autumn deepens and local ecological restoration yields results, the Dongping Lake wetland in Tai'an City, east China's Shandong Province, has welcomed thousands of migrating wild cormorants, filling the vast waters with dancing flocks and vibrant natural vitality.
In mid-autumn, flocks of wild cormorants can be seen across the open waters of the wetland, circling in the sky, playing in the water, and diving for food.
"The cormorants arrived a bit earlier than expected this year. Currently, we have observed multiple flocks with a total population exceeding 5,000. More migratory birds will arrive in Dongping Lake in the coming days, either to rest briefly before continuing their journey or to spend the winter here," said Su Shengli, head of the forest resources protection section at the Dongping County Forestry Protection and Development Center.
Situated along the illustrious East Asia-Australasia flyway, Dongping Lake assumes its role as a sanctuary for migratory marvels. This second-largest freshwater lake in Shandong has become a haven of restoration and rejuvenation, nurturing the delicate balance between humans and wildlife.
In recent years, local authorities have pursued wetland restoration and water quality improvement projects, providing abundant food and a safe haven for over 300,000 waterbirds that rest or overwinter here annually.
Flocks of migrating wild cormorants bring vibrant autumn vitality to lake in east China
