White swans return to Sanmenxia for winter

The first batch of white swans numbering 14, were spotted in Sanmenxia on Oct 20.

Paddling on the lakes of Sanmenxia's wetlands, the waterfowls have chosen the city as their destination for winter migration in recent years as the ecological environment keeps improving.

"The swans have come here a few days earlier because of the lower temperature. The first two visitors were found on Oct 10, and other new types of migratory birds have also showed up this year", said Zhang Yifan, deputy director of the administrative office of the Yellow River Wetland.

There used to be dozens of swans pioneering the migration, according to Zhang, who is hopeful that the birds will come in batches in the next two to three months.

The administrative office began making arrangements for the protection of migratory birds since the beginning of October, putting in place strict monitoring plans to deter illegal hunting and the provision of an ideal habitat for them.

White swans have become a symbol of Sanmenxia city as they flock to the city from Siberia in November and enjoy a vacation here until March next year.

The first batch of white swans is spotted in the wetland of Sanmenxia. [Photo/dahe.cn]