Wang Jinshan treats an injured white crane. [Photo by Pan Shengyu/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Wang Jinshan became much busier in the spring when flocks of migratory birds began returning from the south to the Momoge National Nature Reserve in Zhenlai county, Jilin province.

Over the past 40 years, the 57-year-old farmer from Shaoli village has rescued dozens of the birds, including around 10 white cranes, an endangered species.

Zhenlai, which has abundant water and rich food resources for birds, provides a habitat and breeding ground for more than 100 species of rare birds.

Wang started fishing at age 17. In his spare time, he liked to watch the birds in the wetlands and gradually developed a deep bond with migratory birds — especially the cranes.

In 2018, he joined in a wild bird protection team as a volunteer.

During the migration season, Wang patrols the wetlands every day to monitor birds and stop illegal poaching in the reserve.

Team members often share information about bird protection in nearby villages, greatly raising public awareness.

"Bird protection is a lifelong career for me and I will stick with it," Wang said. "I will guard them as though I were protecting my own children."