Black-necked cranes fly against a mountainous backdrop. [Photo/IC]

As winter descends on the Tibetan Plateau, black-necked cranes — known as the "divine birds of the highlands" — have once again arrived in Namling county, Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region.

Their return to the Namling black-necked crane national nature reserve marks the start of the annual wintering season and highlights the region's improving natural environment.

Flocks gather along rivers and meadows, feeding, grooming, and stretching their wings. "Every year from late October to early November, the cranes migrate south to overwinter," said a ranger. "With stronger conservation measures, their habitat has improved, and numbers now exceed 2,000 annually."

Established in 2003, the Namling nature reserve is the core of the mid-Yarlung Zangpo River valley protection zone, spanning five townships. Over the course of 22 years, wetland restoration has expanded the birds' habitat, stabilized water levels, and ensured ample food and roosting space.

Namling has built a comprehensive protection system, with five management stations and full-time rangers conducting daily patrols, monitoring flocks, and providing supplemental feeding. Conservation has also become part of community life. "The cranes forage in our fields by day and rest by the river at night. We live in harmony with them," said a villager.

From October to March, more than 2,000 black-necked cranes now winter in Namling, making this carefully protected land a vital sanctuary for the species' western population.

Overwintering black-necked cranes forage and play in the farmland in Namling county, Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region. [Photo/IC]

Overwintering black-necked cranes forage and play in the wetlands of Namling county, Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region. [Photo/IC]