Migratory birds rest and forage at Da'naoer Lake in Uxin Banner, Ordos. [Photo/Grassland Media]

A large flock of migratory birds has been spotted at Da'naoer Lake in Uxin Banner, Ordos city, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

The migratory birds, including swans, egrets, wild geese, ruddy shelducks and mallards, were seen frolicking in the water and foraging for food in preparation for their onward journey.

Swans, classified as national second-class protected wild animals, use Da'naoer Lake as a crucial stopover to rest and refuel during their southward migration from September to early November each year.

The pristine sand and water, along with abundant aquatic plants, provide them with a safe habitat and a rich food source.

In recent years, Uxin Banner has placed significant emphasis on the protection of wildlife, which is a vital indicator of ecological health.

The local government has stepped up routine patrols, cracked down on illegal activities that harm wildlife, and implemented the integrated protection and management of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and deserts.

Migratory birds rest and forage at Da'naoer Lake in Uxin Banner, Ordos. [Photo/Grassland Media]

Furthermore, long-term special actions against deforestation and grassland destruction have been carried out in Uxin Banner, reinforcing ecological protection efforts and creating a "protective umbrella" for wildlife.

Thanks to the improved ecological environment and robust protection measures, an increasing number of wild animals can now be found in Uxin Banner.

Lakes such as Chagan Naoer and Dawa Naoer have become habitats for over 20 rare bird species, including white swans, relict gulls, ruddy shelducks, and mandarin ducks.

Notably, more than 4,000 relict gulls, a national first-class protected species, now breed and overwinter in the lakes and rivers within Uxin Banner.

Migratory birds rest and forage at Da'naoer Lake in Uxin Banner, Ordos. [Photo/Grassland Media]