Nationally protected great egrets walk on the shallow mudflat. [Photo provided by Zhong Zhenyu]

With the recent arrival of 10 nationally protected great egrets at the Elk Garden, Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (Beijing E-Town) has taken on the role of a rest stop in wild bird migration.

In recent years, migratory birds such as the black-tailed godwit and great egret have visited Elk Garden annually at this time of year to gather strength for their next southward migration.

The open water surfaces, winding rivers, soft riverbanks, varied topography, diverse terrain and dense vegetation of the Elk Garden reserve provide abundant food sources and excellent hiding places for wildlife. This environment has also attracted numerous bird species to nest and rest here, continuously enriching the avian diversity of the city.