Egrets are seen in Changxing county, Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/hz66.com]

Huzhou's Changxing county recently set up a patrol team to protect birds that migrate to the county to spend the winter.

Changxing is as an important wintering habitat for many birds, including some rare and endangered species, thanks to its sustained efforts in ecological conservation.

For example, Xianshan Lake, which is located at the junction of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces and falls under the Taihu Lake water system, is a stop for rare birds like the white-necked pheasant, cygnet, and mandarin duck, during the winter.

Besides Xianshan Lake, Changxing county's Changchaijie reservoir and Tuying wetland are also havens for migratory birds. All three places have been listed as key patrol areas.

A total of 242 species of birds have been spotted in Changxing, including two that are under national first-class protection and 35 under national second-class protection, official data show.                                             

 Birds are seen in Changxing county, Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/hz66.com]