Rare gulls, coal miners share a place in the sun

This year, company employees have observed more than 3,800 relict gulls. Other birds, such as whooper swans, shelducks and black-winged stilts, have also flocked to the small islets. The bird paradise has attracted bird watchers from across China.

However, the earth beneath the lakes still has coal deposits and mining will continue for the foreseeable future. Last year, under the guidance of the regional wetland protection and management center, Ningxia Coal began developing a wetland park not far from the lakes to help keep the gulls in the area.

"The company discharges the mine water, which has formed a wetland of more than 1,333 hectares," Li said.

"We developed the water project and grew a tree belt 5 kilometers long and 20 meters wide."

A wetland park management center was also established.

Li, who worked as a miner before, is now tasked with protecting the birds with the help of 20 mine workers. "Surveillance equipment has been installed around the wetland, and we take turns patrolling the area to prevent poaching or damage to the environment," he said.

Li said as he comes into contact with the birds so frequently he has developed a bond with them.

"Patrolling under the sun every day is not easy, but it makes me happy to see that the environment is getting better and the number of birds is increasing," he said.