A growing number of migratory birds have recently been spotted at wetlands in Duolun County of Xilingol League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Among the visitors were Eurasian spoonbills, a species under second-class state protection, alongside ruddy shelducks, great crested grebes and various other waterfowl seen wading and swimming across the wetland expanse.

Thanks to sustained ecological improvements in recent years, the area has become a vital stopover site for migratory birds along their seasonal journeys.