Hundreds of Eurasian coots have gathered on the sunlit waters of Daming Lake in Jinan, Shandong province, with their dark figures gliding across the blue surface as they swim, dive and forage, adding movement to a tranquil early-winter scene.

A second-class nationally protected species in China, Eurasian coots are sensitive to water quality and ecological conditions. Daming Lake's healthy ecosystem provides a suitable habitat for the birds to spend the winter.

With the coots' arrival, the lake takes on a distinctly seasonal character, offering a glimpse of urban nature in the heart of Jinan.

Flocks of Eurasian coots swim across Jinan's Daming Lake. [Photo by Shao Kai/WeChat account: jnslyj]

The birds' white bills and frontal shields stand out against their dark plumage. [Photo by Shao Kai/WeChat account: jnslyj]

Eurasian coots dip their heads into the water in search of food. [Photo/WeChat account: jnbtq1]

Eurasian coots chase one another across the lake. [Photo/WeChat account: jnbtq1]