Whiskered terns flock to Diaocha Lake for a Hubei summer

Diaocha Lake in Hanchuan, Hubei province, has welcomed multiple flocks of whiskered terns this summer, which contribute to a vivid natural scene among the ecosystem's lotus leaves.

Some birds circle low with outstretched wings, skimming over dense lotus leaves. Others dip down to the water's surface to catch small fish and shrimp. Still others perch calmly on lotus stalks and foxnuts, gathering dry lotus stems to construct and repair their floating nests.