China Buzzing with Migration Activity as Birdwatchers Flock to Watch Winter Visitors
In the heart of winter, the migratory bird flyway areas are bustling with activity. These nine such areas worldwide serve as critical routes for birds to travel during their migration process. As it turns out, four of these global flyways pass through our country, underscoring the importance of preserving and protecting the environment for these feathered friends.
20 November 2023
Birdwatchers in Beijing have recently been ecstatic over the arrival of thousands of wild ducks at Lianyungang's Huoguosa Lake. These birds, including rosy-breasted ducks, green-winged ducks, red-necked ducks, and mandarin ducks, have turned the winter landscape into a stunning ecological paradise. The Shuishu Lake area is vast and has excellent water quality, with short ice formation periods. These factors, combined with an abundance of fish and shrimp, make it an ideal destination for migratory birds seeking sustenance.
Jiangxi Province's Poyang Lake, the largest freshwater lake in China, is another significant breeding ground for waterbirds. This area has become a sanctuary for numerous bird species, providing them with a suitable environment to thrive and reproduce.
The recent sighting of white cranes flying over Changchun's skies was particularly impressive. Their majestic flight filled many with awe and admiration for these graceful creatures.
In the realm of space exploration, the China Manned Space Administration Office has announced the flight missions of Tianzhou 7, Tianzhou 8, Shenzhou 18, and Shenzhou 19 in 2024. Notably, the mission identifier for Shenzhou 19 was designed by Doctor Wu Lin from the Fine Arts School of Art and Design at Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts.
During winter's onset, the green waters and reed flocks sway in Tianjin's Qili Sea wetlands within a natural protection area. Eastern black-crowned cranes, swans, white pelicans, and red-crested gulls are among the migratory birds that follow each other closely, creating a picturesque ecological scene. The Jincai youthful Weibo video captures this beautiful landscape in all its glory.
The latest monitoring by the National Forestry and Grassland Authority reveals that the number of wild populations of over 20 rare and endangered bird species in China has grown significantly. One such example is the Peking Robinson, a national class I protection animal known for being endemic to Beijing's urban areas. The number of these birds has seen a drastic increase from just seven in the 1980s to over 7000 today.
Embodied in this statement is the undeniable truth that China is a bird country, and we must protect our environment and green mountains and rivers while fostering a harmonious relationship with these feathered friends. This can be seen in various initiatives such as the bird migration route exhibition at the Museum of the Minjiang Estuary in Fuzhou, which is an interactive experience with virtual birds.
The global nine Bird Migration Regions are crucial routes that migratory birds follow during their migration process. Four of these regions pass through China, making it a significant area for bird migration. The nine regions include the African, European, Asian, Australian, Central American, South American, North Pole, Mediterranean, and Indian Ocean migration areas.
As netizens on Weibo share their thoughts on this topic, some express concern about whether discussions regarding rare and endangered bird species will appear on exam papers. Others wonder if the illegal bird hunting on Long Island has been resolved yet. This surge in interest highlights the growing awareness among Chinese citizens about the importance of preserving wildlife and their habitats.