Jingxin Wetland in Jilin welcomes swarms of migrating birds

Around 60,000-70,000 migrating wild geese came to Jingxin Wetland in Hunchun city –– in Yanbian Korean autonomous prefecture, in Northeast China’s Jilin province –– in late October, according to local reports.

Naturalists reported that a slew of geese species and other birds have now made it to the wetlands, including greater white-fronted geese, bean geese, greylags, lesser white-fronted geese, sea gulls and many more.

The swarms of birds are busy searching for food and they are taking a rest there, preparing for the long journey ahead to migrate to the south.

Covering an area of more than 5,800 hectares, Jingxin Wetland is one of the key wetlands in Jilin province.

It attracts huge flocks of migratory birds each spring and fall, due to its pleasant climate and good ecological conditions.

Jingxin Wetland is China’s first stop for migrating birds from Siberia and they will leave there in mid-December, according to experts.

Over the past few years, Hunchun has worked hard to ensure that its economic development does not impact on its natural environment, by restoring and protecting the wetlands and improving protection for the birds.

Locals and visitors alike have also been raising public awareness about protecting birds, officials said.

Gao Wei, chief of Jingxin police station, said that Jingxin has seen increasing numbers and more varieties of migrating birds in recent years.

Next month, the number of birds there is expected to exceed 100,000, Gao added.