Swan love songs
Updated: 2013-03-03 07:38
(China Daily)
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The swans, which are an extraordinary sight in the city, has been the must-see attraction of Kuerle, capital of Beyinguoleng Mongolian autonomous prefecture in Xinjiang. Photos by Kuang Linhua / China Daily |
Swans are synonymous with faithful love because the birds apparently maintain monogamous relationships and "extra-marital affairs" rarely occur. In China, one of the habitats of these romantic creatures is in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
During the winter of 2007, 19 swans first landed in downtown Kongque River in Kuerle, capital of Beyinguoleng Mongolian autonomous prefecture inXinjiang. They were traced back to Bayanbulak Grassland, a natural swan reserve, deep in the East Tianshan Mountains. Hostile nature had driven them to the city in search for food and shelter. They made the right move - these large birds were welcomed with hospitality and good care in the city. A team named the "swan rangers" has since been dedicated to feeding and protecting them. This Spring Festival holiday, the number of swans has reached more than 100, thanks to increased awareness among the locals to protect the land and the species. Some reports say that thousands of swans fly to Kuerle in the summer before they migrate to the south. And, the best months for visiting are between April and October.
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Swan rangers feed the birds three times a day, with more than 300 pieces of nang and 10 kilograms of fish. |
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In 2011, a swan habitat was set up by the banks of the Kongque River, covering 2,300 square kilometers. It is China's first large-scale swan habitat built in a bustling city. |
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Swan rangers have been dedicated to feeding and protecting them. |
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The swan's favorite food is nang, a crusty local bread. |
(China Daily 03/03/2013 page6)