A wetland park in Shishi City of east China's Fujian Province has seen the arrivals of an increasing number of migratory birds as winter comes, with flocks of whooper swans, a nationally protected species in the country, becoming a striking presence.

As a result of continued improvement of the ecosystem in Shishi, the wetland park has become a paradise for whooper swans, whose elegant preening draws the attention of visitors and birdwatchers alike.

"As the environment continues to improve in Shishi, both the variety and number of migratory birds wintering here are steadily increasing. In addition to whooper swans, black-faced spoonbills, another top-level nationally protected species, have also arrived at our wetland park for wintering," said Yan Minghua, head of the municipal forestry resources station.

According to conservation staff, whooper swans typically arrive in Shishi in November and stay until March or April of the following year.

This winter, their numbers have increased significantly compared with previous years.

Situated on the East Asian-Australasian flyway, the wetland park in Shishi serves as a key stopover and wintering habitat for migratory birds.

In recent years, the local government has intensified efforts to restore the coastal ecosystem to ensure an adequate food supply for visiting birds.

To date, 216 bird species have been recorded in the area, including 11 under first-class national protection, such as the Siberian crane and black-faced spoonbill, and 29 under second-class national protection, including the greater white-fronted goose.