For decades, the stunning scene of thousands of migratory birds flying above Lipo village in Wuchuan, Zhanjiang, has been a common sight for residents throughout autumn and winter.

The village has an abundance of natural beauty with flowing rivers and rich green vegetation. Since 2004, a forest of coconut trees has become a second home to starlings arriving from the north from September to March the following year.

"These birds don't eat crops but protect them by catching insects and pests," said Wu Huayang, a villager told Zhanjiang Daily during an interview. "We are good friends."

He added that the villagers treat their feathered friends as mascots and do all they can to make sure they are well taken care of and protected. According to village officials, young and old are aware and care about bird protection. Recently, around 260 volunteers set up patrols at night to make sure that no illegal hunting was taking place.

For more than a decade thousands of migratory birds spend the autumn and winter in Lipo village of Wuchuan in Zhanjiang. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Human life and animal life are equal. Protecting them is actually protecting our village," said Wu Jiangrong, one of the team members.

The village has set in place a rule that firecrackers may only be set off from 5:30 pm to 7:30 am the following day in order to limit disruption or cause panic among the birds.

In 2014, Wuchuan's forestry bureau and Lipo village co-established a demonstration conservation area for migratory birds, jointly managing it.

Every year since 2014 the village has expanded its green spaces, adding trees such as Chinese redbuds. Anyone who is caught cutting down trees will be fined up to 200 yuan ($29). More punitive measures have been introduced for further protection.

The reserve has become a popular tourist attraction, attracting visitors from other Guangdong cities. It has even been featured on CCTV (China Central Television), China's national broadcaster.

A tree's branches are peppered with perched migratory birds. [Photo/Zhanjiang Evening News]