Dozens of migratory birds rest in the wetlands of Otog Front Banner in Ordos city, in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/ Ordos Release]

As temperatures drop in the country's northern areas with the coming of deep autumn, around 1,000 migratory birds – including swans, grey cranes, mallards and egrets – have stopped to rest in the wetlands of Otog Front Banner in Ordos city, in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

According to the nature reserve’s administration, the birds will make a pit stop in the wetlands, an essential rest area for migratory birds before heading to warmer southern areas.

Police officers from Ordos are taking turns to monitor and protect the wetlands, lakes and nature reserves visited by migratory birds, cracking down on illegal hunting.

Police officers patrol the wetlands where migratory birds stop to rest during their journey to warmer southern areas. [Photo/ Ordos Release]