A Chinese merganser mother carries her babies across a river in Jilin. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

A heartwarming wildlife moment has been captured in Changbai county, Northeast China's Jilin province, with a family of endangered Chinese mergansers spotted gliding peacefully across crystal-clear waters.

The Chinese merganser mother waits as her ducklings come ashore. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

Nature photographer Ding Lianguo recently spotted the rare birds in Manjiang town and recorded a touching scene. On the surface of a river, a Chinese merganser carried several fluffy ducklings on her back as she gently paddled through the water. The tiny chicks nestled closely together, riding like passengers aboard their own little boat while their mother's chestnut-colored crest swayed softly in the breeze.

The Chinese merganser mother shakes off the water surrounded by her brood. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

The Chinese merganser is a first-class nationally protected wild animal in China. With its global population still relatively small, the species is considered an important indicator of healthy freshwater ecosystems. Its continued presence in Jilin reflects the region's rich biodiversity and ongoing efforts to protect natural habitats.