On December 8, two flocks totaling 29 Siberian white cranes arrived at Guanting Reservoir in Beijing, which are expected to continue their southward journey, heading to the wintering grounds at Poyang Lake.

White cranes observed at Guanting Reservoir. 
[Photo provided by Li Li]

White cranes are listed as national first-level protected birds in China, with an estimated 6,500 existing around the world as of now. As a key species in the wetland ecosystems, they migrate across Eurasia, breeding mainly in Siberia and wintering at Poyang Lake in China.

White cranes observed at Guanting Reservoir. 
[Photo provided by Li Li]

In recent years, an increasing number of white cranes have been observed in Beijing. In March 2022, 17 cranes were seen soaring over Nanhaizi Park, and in March 2023, five cranes were spotted resting at the northern shore of Miyun Reservoir.

(Source: The Beijing News)