A close-up of Baer's pochards, mallards, and spot-billed ducks at Dongping Lake in Tai'an, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Over 4,000 waterfowls, including Baer's pochards, which are protected by the State as a first-class species, mallards, and spot-billed ducks, were recently spotted enjoying the spring at the Dongping Lake wetlands in Tai'an, Shandong province.

Flocks of waterfowls can be seen frolicking on the lake's surface or soaring high above it, creating a vibrant natural scene.

Over 4,000 waterfowls, including Baer's pochards, which are protected by the State as a first-class species, mallards, and spot-billed ducks, frolic at the Dongping Lake wetlands. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A group of waterfowl revels in nature at Dongping Lake against the backdrop of a red horizon. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A massive flock of birds takes flight at Dongping Lake in Tai'an. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]