A family of black swans living in the Liangshui River (Beijing E-Town section) together with another couple of similar birds have attracted the attention of many residents.

The family of black swans [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

On March 10, with spring blowing a gentle breeze across the Liangshui River, a pair of black swans was leisurely floating on the water with their four fluffy "second-generation geese."  

Not far from the habitat of the family of six, another couple resides in a small water area, eagerly awaiting the hatching of their offspring.

Black swans have a habit of being deeply attached to their habitats and are reluctant to move.

Since 2019, black swans have been visiting the Liangshui River (Beijing E-Town section) every year, using the muddy banks and withered reeds as their dwelling places. 

Therefore, when cleaning the water grass, the staff also follow the principle of moderation, only cleaning the water grass exposed on the surface, in order to retain the snails, fish, shrimp, and other organisms attached to them, which are food for the swans, wild ducks, and other birds.

Two black swans take care of their babies. [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

The black swans' preference for the Liangshui River and their settlement indicates an improvement in the water quality and environment of the river. 

This river provides a good habitat for water birds such as the Chinese merganser, Baer's Pochard, mute swan, mallard, common teal, ruddy shelduck, Eurasian coot, little grebe, grey heron, black swan, and wild geese.

Nowadays, more and more birds are homing in E-Town, forming a lovely ecological scenery.