Fulica atras on a river in Haiyong town of Haimen district in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/ntfabu.com] 

Flocks of Fulica atra, a bird listed as a second-class species under State protection in China, have in recent years become a relatively common sight in Haiyong town of Haimen district in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province following efforts by local authorities to improve the ecological environment. 

These efforts include shutting down polluting enterprises, improving household sewage treatment in rural areas, as well as promoting garbage classification.

Other bird species such as egrets, wild geese and wild ducks have also been appearing in the town.

Rare bird species in Haiyong town of Haimen district in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

A bird's eye view of Haiyong town's ecological environment in Haimen district in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/ntfabu.com]