On the shores of the Danjiang River Wetland National Nature Reserve in Xichuan county, Nanyang, Henan province, over 10,000 black-headed gulls, 10 times what they were five years ago, gathered to winter there thanks to an improved environment, which also boosted tourism benefits, Henan Television reported.

Deng Tianpeng, head of a conservation station at the reserve, told Henan Television in February that 18 years ago, this was a barren mudflat where birds rarely lingered. Today, the vegetation coverage has increased by 37 percent.

Over 400 bird species, including rare ones like the crested ibis, have been recorded, with the Chinese merganser spotted for ten years straight, a testament to the pristine water quality it requires, he added.

Nearly two decades of effort have revived 62 fish species. A strict fishing ban has turned the wetland into a well-stocked pantry for birds that feed on fish, Deng was quoted as saying.

"The birds don't speak but vote with their feet. The water plants are lush, the environment is clean, and the fish are plentiful. Birds have fallen in love with this place," Deng said.

Hordes of tourists flocked to the reserve equipped with smartphones and telephoto lenses. They captured breathtaking shots of the birds soaring over the reserve, a crucial holding basin for the South-to-North Water Diversion Project.

Before dawn, Deng sets out with his camera, binoculars, and a worn-out notebook. He patrols 16 zones, walking for an entire day. He knows where the birds are, when they come, and how long they stay.

"We plant trees, grow aquatic plants, and patrol the area, gradually strengthening the foundation of the wetland," he said.

And as the birds stayed, so did the people. Of the 32,000 fishermen in Xichuan who shifted to land-based livelihoods, about 70 percent have now traded their nets for a stake in the burgeoning tourism industry.

Fan Hengxing, a local homestay owner, is an example. His homestay, nestled by the water, saw up to 10,000 visitors a day.

"We used to rely on the weather to predict the day's catch," he told Henan Television.

"Now, we look at the birds to predict our income. We're planning to launch a gull-viewing themed room."

In Xichuan, there are 16 homestays like this. With a blend of bird-watching, fruit-picking, and accommodations, the annual revenue from tourism has exceeded 500 million yuan ($72.7 million), the Henan Television reported.

lihongyang@chinadaily.com.cn