Migratory birds gather in great numbers at the Erlongtao Wetland in Zhenlai county of Baicheng, Jilin province. [Photo by Pan Shengyu/For chinadaily.com.cn]

The Erlongtao Wetland in Zhenlai county of Baicheng, Jilin province, recently welcomed a large flock of migratory birds, including 42 white cranes.

They have gathered at the wetland alongside oriental white storks, gray cranes, wild geese and ducks, attracting photographers and birdwatchers.

Migratory birds gather in great numbers at the Erlongtao Wetland in Zhenlai county of Baicheng, Jilin province. [Photo by Pan Shengyu/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Located on the border of Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Zhenlai has rich natural resources and is a key habitat for migratory birds in China. More than 5 million migratory birds pass through each year as it resides along one of the nine major global bird migration routes.

The number of white cranes stopping in Zhenlai in spring and autumn has stabilized at around 5,400, accounting for 90 percent of the global population.

Han Junhong contributed to the story.

Migratory birds gather in great numbers at the Erlongtao Wetland in Zhenlai county of Baicheng, Jilin province. [Photo by Pan Shengyu/For chinadaily.com.cn]