It is well known that every year a variety of migratory birds settle down in Fuzhou to pass the winter months in the warmth of the southern city. However, some species have taken a liking to the city's wealth of green spaces and rich food supply and decide to stay year round. The little egret is one such bird.

Little egrets are wading birds with bright snowy plumages. They feed on a wide range of small creatures both in shallow waters and on land. They are best suited to the shores of lakes, rivers and ponds and consequently find Fuzhou's numerous watery habitats ideal.

A little egret ripples the water while looking for food at the lotus pond inside the Xihu Park in Fuzhou's Gulou district on Jan 5. [Photo by Peng Zhangqing/Xinhua]

One such location lies in the city's Xihu Park in Gulou district where several little egrets were recently spotted in a lotus pond. The park was established in 1914 and is considered the best preserved classic garden in Fuzhou. It includes Xihu Lake, first excavated in AD 282 that has been a popular scenic spot for visitors since the late Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907).

Several little egrets were spotted foraging at the 1,000-squre-meter pond that is considered one of the favorite habitats for not only little egrets but also storks and kingfishers.

Little egrets find food at the lotus pond inside Xihu Park in Fuzhou's Gulou district. [Photo by Peng Zhangqing/Xinhua]

Once a popular leisure attraction, the central island of the lake was abandoned for many years but following recent renovations has recaptured its earlier charm. The park’s management hopes to lure a greater number of little egrets and migratory birds back to the lush vegetation and calm waters.