Egrets fly around a working farmer in Suichang county in Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

In Suichang county, Lishui, Zhejiang province, spring plowing creates a lively scene as egrets accompany farmers working in the fields.

In Hongxiang village in Shilian town, a farmer was seen driving a rotary tiller across the fields, surrounded by a flock of egrets foraging nearby — a vivid display of harmony between humans and nature.

Egrets are social birds that require clean, well-preserved habitats. Often regarded as indicators of air and water quality, they are widely known as "environmental birds".

In recent years, Suichang has stepped up its ecological protection efforts and promoted green, high-yield rice cultivation. These measures have improved the local environment and attracted more egrets to settle and breed in the area.