In pics: Nantong, a key stop for migratory birds

Several black-faced spoonbills and white spoonbills are seen in Tongzhou Bay, Nantong, on Nov 5. [Photo by Chen Xinxin for en.nantong.gov.cn]

Mid-September to early December is the time for birds to migrate south, and Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province is a key stop due to its pleasant natural environment.

Bird lovers in the city love to photograph their feathered friends during these months. Some of their best photos can be seen below.

Here are some tips for people who want to observe or take photos of birds from a senior bird watcher.

Theoretical learning, daily observation and asking for advice from senior bird watchers are a good first step. Next is to learn how to find birds at specific times and places according to the birds' habits. The last step is to approach the birds and learn how to get shots of them, which requires some photography skills and being able to anticipate the birds' movements.

A flock of wild geese fly over the Yangtze River in Nantong on Sept 16. [Photo by Yuan Dejun for en.nantong.gov.cn]

A flock of Baer's pochards, a critically endangered species, fly from the reeds in Changqingsha Island, Rugao, Nantong on Nov 26. [Photo by Lu Xin for en.nantong.gov.cn]

A great egret dances gracefully in Tongzhou Bay on Nov 27. [Photo by Wu Weimin for en.nantong.gov.cn]

A swarm of egrets scatters in the mud flat of Yangkou Port in Rudong in September. [Photo by Liu Li for en.nantong.gov.cn]