In recent days, lakes and rivers in Laixi, a county-level city in Qingdao, Shandong provicne, welcomed the peak season for migrant birds to return to the north.

Laixi has implemented a series of measures in recent years to improve the ecological environment, protect the water resources and increase biodiversity.

A flock of white swans are observed at the Chanzhi Reservoir in Laixi, Shandong province. Laixi is attracting more migrant birds to summer in the city due to its improved ecological environment. [Photo by Liu Benhong/Guanhai News]

Migrant birds arrive in the Dagu River Basin in Laixi, Shandong province. Laixi has launched a slew of measures to protect the swamp lands and river banks where migratory birds settle. [Photo by Liu Benhong/Guanhai News]

Migrant birds, including rare and endangered species, dwell in the Dagu River Basin in Laixi. [Photo by Liu Benhong/Guanhai News]

Two white spoonbills, an endangered species, search for food in the shallow water in the Dagu River Basin in Laixi. The Dagu River serves as an important nesting area and breeding ground for migratory birds, and is also a major habitat for aquatic birds. [Photo by Yun Lin/Guanhai News]

A rare reed parrotbill is spotted in the Dagu River Basin in Laixi. The reed parrotbill, or paradoxornis heudei, is under the national first-class wild animal protection and is known as the "giant panda among birds". [Photo by Yun Lin/Guanhai News]

An oriental white stork flies over the Dagu River Basin in Laixi. The species is protected by the national first-class wild animal protection program. [Photo by Yun Lin/Guanhai News]