Since late March, thousands of migrating birds such as red-crowned cranes, swans, wild geese, and wild ducks, have been arriving at Panjin Shuangtaizi Estuary Natural Reserve, the biggest state-level wetland natural reserve in Liaoning. To ensure a safe migration, every day staff in the preservation area put out food for our feathered friends in their settling areas, strengthening patrols and directing a publicity campaign.
![Since late March, thousands of migrating birds such as red-crowned cranes, swans, wild geese, and wild ducks, have been arriving at Panjin Shuangtaizi Estuary Natural Reserve, the biggest state-level wetland natural reserve in Liaoning. [Xinhua]](http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20090331/000cf1a48b7f0b3c1a011d.jpg "Since late March, thousands of migrating birds such as red-crowned cranes, swans, wild geese, and wild ducks, have been arriving at Panjin Shuangtaizi Estuary Natural Reserve, the biggest state-level wetland natural reserve in Liaoning. [Xinhua]") |
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Since late March, thousands of migrating birds such as red-crowned cranes, swans, wild geese, and wild ducks, have been arriving at Panjin Shuangtaizi Estuary Natural Reserve, the biggest state-level wetland natural reserve in Liaoning. [Xinhua]
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The Panjin coastal wetland Natural Reserve is a vital passage for bird migration. The local Shuangtaizi Estuary wetland natural reserve boasts the biggest reed marshes in Asia, whose unique environment attracts thousands of migratory birds in spring and autumn.
According to the Wildlife Conservation Association in Liaoning, there are currently 263 bird species in the Panjin Shuangtaizi Estuary Natural Reserve, including 116 types of waterfowl, of which the main species are the red-crowned crane, white crane, Larus Saundersi, and black-tailed godwit. Among these numerous species, 9 benefit from first-grade state protection, and 28 from second-grade state protection. The world's biggest breeding ground for Larus Saundersi is to be found here.
However, whenever the bird migration seasons arrive, law-breakers sneak into the conservation area, relentlessly hunting the migratory birds. There even have been cases of red-crowned cranes being poisoned. In response to this problem, the administrative department of the conservation district has worked out an action program, calling for a joint community effort to safeguard bird migration, and initiating intense patrolling. This action program includes blanket inspections of local restaurants, directed towards putting an end to illegal hunting and poisoning.
The reservation unites the forces of various associations, volunteers, bird lovers, and photographers, and sets up a comprehensive protection network. It also carries out an extensive public program in army barracks, on oil extraction derricks in local oil-fields, and in tourist attractions, calling for the public to love and protect bird-life. In some jurisdictions there are public "bird-loving ambassador, bird-loving family" contests. This year alone the reservation has already saved five different species, including a Golden Eagle - a first-grade state protected bird species - and two Common Kestrels, a second-grade state protected bird species. The rescued birds have now recovered completely and have all been returned to Mother Nature.
