The nature reserve of the Yellow River Delta, located in east China's Shandong Province, saw about fifty red-crowned cranes Wednesday, the first batch for this winter.
   
Experts from the natural reserve's scientific research station said the cranes usually come here to spend the winter at the end of November. They arrived at the wetland about 10 days ahead of schedule this year.
   
Local experts attributed the phenomenon to the improved environment in the vast wetland of the delta.
   
The Chinese government has launched a series of projects to improve the natural environment of the delta over the past years.

Regulation of Yellow River's flow near the estuary, together with construction of dams and reservoirs, has provided an ideal environment for bird species to the area, said the expert.

More feeding points have been built in the natural reserve now to guarantee sufficient food sources for the cranes and other birds, while a special working team has been set up to guard against poaching.

(Xinhua News Agency November 19, 2004)