In April, as the migratory bird season arrives, Qianquan Lake in Shawan City, Tacheng Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region welcomes flocks of migratory birds. When the warm spring sun bathes this tranquil wetland, it awakens the most vibrant time of the year, unfolding into a picturesque ecological scene.

Stepping into Qianquan Lake, you enter a lively avian world. Crested grebes, egrets, gray herons, pied avocets, black-winged stilts, cormorants, and various other birds gather here. They soar through the sky, perch on branches, or forage and play in the shallow waters, painting a harmonious scene of coexistence.

Photo shows a migratory bird perches on branches. (Photo by Li Xu)

Photo shows migratory birds perch on branches. (Photo by Li Xu)

As the spring breeze blows, the vegetation around Qianquan Lake begins to revive. Willow trees by the lake sprout tender green buds, swaying in the wind, while reeds gradually turn green, providing shelter and nesting sites for the birds.

In a quiet corner, several gray herons are busy tending to their offspring. One heron stands sentinel over its nest, with three blue eggs beneath. Soon, one egg cracks open, and a young heron pokes out its head, curiously peering at the new world. Nearby, two herons watch over freshly laid eggs. Another heron guards five eggs, two already hatched, with the chicks snuggling close to their mother, chirping softly.

Photo shows a gray heron guards its nest. (Photo by Li Xu)

Photo shows two gray herons watch over four newly laid eggs. (Photo by Li Xu)

Photo shows a gray heron tends to its eggs, two of which have already hatched. (Photo by Li Xu)

Photo shows a newly hatched young heron. (Photo by Li Xu)

Photo shows a gray heron watches over its nest. (Photo by Li Xu)

Photo shows a great egret spreads its wings to protect its nest. (Photo by Li Xu)

Egrets add a touch of grace to the wetland. They perch elegantly on withered branches above the water, their plumage aglow in the sunlight, or occasionally take flight, tracing graceful arcs in the sky as if dancing with spring.

Photo shows a black-necked cormorant rests on the water’s surface. (Photo by Li Xu)

Photo shows an egret perches on a dead branch. (Photo by Li Xu)

Photo shows an egret spreads its wings in flight. (Photo by Li Xu)

The shallow waters become a playground for black-winged stilts. They stride through the water on long legs, their slender reflections blending seamlessly with the surroundings, creating a scene like a natural silhouette painting.

Photo shows black-winged stilts in the shallow waters. (Photo by Li Xu)

Photo shows black-winged stilts in the shallow waters. (Photo by Li Xu)

Photo shows black-winged stilts in the shallow waters. (Photo by Li Xu)

With spring in full bloom, if you wish to experience this vitality and beauty, why not visit Qianquan Lake in Shawan City? Immerse yourself in the world of birds and embrace the gifts of nature.

(The Media Convergence Center of Shawan City, Reporters: Wang Ying and Li Xu)