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Wild ducks are seen at the Jianhu Lake National Wetland Park. [Photo by Qian Ke]

Shaoxing has seen a remarkable increase in its bird species over the past decade, with the current count reaching over 100 rare bird species.

The influx of these rare avian visitors to Shaoxing, some even choosing to stay, has brought the niche hobby of birdwatching into the majority.

As of January, the city's Jianhu Lake National Wetland Park has documented 146 bird species within its boundaries.

According to the local government, since the initiation of a special survey on wild bird species in 2012, which identified a total of 261 bird species in the city, continuous research and documentation efforts by the Shaoxing Bird Watching Society have increased the tally to 387 wild bird species.

To protect these birds that travel long distances to Shaoxing, the city has conducted over 1,200 patrols in key areas throughout the year, ensuring the safety of birds, especially migratory ones.

So far, the city has conducted eight synchronized surveys of overwintering waterfowl in the province. In the most recent survey, more than 11,000 overwintering waterfowl of various species were monitored in Shaoxing.