Two herons stand on the branches, displaying their springtime resting posture in Yanjia village, Kangle county, Gansu province, Northwest China on March. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

Every March, hundreds of herons return to Yanjia village, Kangle county, Gansu province, bringing life to the ancient village. These graceful "messengers of spring" nest and raise their young in the poplar forest by the village, soaring and playing in the air.

Herons have been nesting here for over 40 years, with the flock growing from a few dozen to a large group. The villagers have developed a mutual understanding with the birds, who stay through winter and return every spring, symbolizing the harmony between humans and nature.

Kangle county, a national leader in afforestation, has created a perfect habitat for the herons through ongoing greening projects. The poplar forests offer not only a sanctuary for the birds but also fresh air and ecological benefits for the villagers.

"These herons are our family," the villagers say, protecting this ecological haven, where humans and birds coexist—a vivid reflection of ecological progress.