A symphony of egrets in Jiangsu's Jinhu wetland forest

Recently, a spectacular scene is unfolding in the treetops of the Jinhu Wetland Forest Park, where thousands of egrets have gathered to nest and play among the towering bald cypress trees. Each year, beginning in March, this serene water forest in eastern China becomes a bustling haven for migratory birds entering their breeding season.

According to 2025 spring monitoring data, more than 10,000 egrets have nested in the park’s metasequoia groves—an increase of approximately 15% compared to the same period in 2023. White egrets make up around 70% of the population, while over a dozen other rare species, including grey herons and night herons, have also been spotted, creating a richly layered avian community.

The unique wetland ecosystem was shaped in the 1960s by a "raised field afforestation" project, which transformed the area into a 5,000-mu bald cypress forest interlaced with 3,000 mu of lush reed marshes. Today, this thriving environment has become one of Jiangsu’s premier birdwatching destinations, attracting nature lovers and photographers eager to witness the vibrant harmony between birdlife and forest.