Various migratory birds gather at the Shibalianwei Ecological Wetland to rest and forage on Nov. 21, 2024. [Photo/anhuinews.com]

Many flocks of migratory birds, including Oriental Storks and Black-faced Spoonbills, have gathered in the Shibalianwei Wetland in Hefei, Anhui province, China.

Wetland managers have lowered the water level to provide a suitable habitat for these birds.

Migratory birds do not linger in deep waters for long. The legs of both wading birds and waterfowl typically do not exceed 30 centimeters in length. For instance, the Bewick's Swan feeds on submerged plants at the bottom of the water. However, with their limited neck length, they cannot reach these plants and other benthos if the water is too deep.

Larger waterfowl, such as spot-billed pelicans, can only catch fish in shallow waters. In deeper waters, they struggle to catch fish, as the fish tend to swim too quickly. Wading birds like Oriental Storks and Black-faced Spoonbills consider water levels above their thighs to be "dangerous."

"To attract more migratory birds, we have lowered the water level in the wetland from over eight meters to around six meters," said Li Jiazheng, chairman of Hefei Shibalianwei Wetland Ecology Construction Management Co., Ltd.

Other wetlands in Hefei have also seen an increase in the number of migratory birds gathering since the beginning of this winter.

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