China-Russia border lake sees surge in migratory birds

(ECNS) -- Xingkai Lake National Nature Reserve in Jixi in northeastern China's Heilongjiang province, on the border with Russia, is seeing a surge of migratory birds as migration peaks.

As a vital refueling stop along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF), the reserve now sees more than 100,000 migratory birds pass through each day. The peak influx is expected to taper off by late October.

Reserve staff have banded and tracked birds by satellite this autumn. They have fitted leg bands to 46 ducks and geese and attached satellite transmitters to 15 birds. The data will help researchers map migration routes and guide wetland conservation.

Staff maintain round-the-clock patrols to remove illegal snares and run public education programs on bird protection. Many photographers have adopted responsible birdwatching practices and joined in protection efforts.

Spanning more than 220,000 hectares, the reserve is a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) and has benefited from sustained ecological restoration. It now hosts about 1 million migratory birds every year, serving as a haven along their long migration.

（By Zhang Dongfang）