Record-Breaking Migration at Qilihai Wetland 🐦
Qilihai Wetland in Ninghe District, Tianjin Municipality on the Chinese mainland has hit a historic high this autumn, with 308 bird species sighted – up from 258 in 2021. Conservation teams say an early cold snap up north sent flocks migrating sooner, turning these marshes into a feathered superhighway.
From Oriental Storks to Spoonbill Superstars
Oriental storks, under the Chinese mainland's top-level protection, arrived in early October – almost 10 days earlier than last year. And those Eurasian spoonbills? Their numbers have doubled to over 3,000, smashing records. You'll also spot pied avocets, black-tailed godwits, white-naped cranes and common cranes gracing the wetlands.
Tech-Powered Conservation
The reserve's monitoring game is next-level. Drones buzz overhead and a smart system (think AI cameras and sensors) keeps tabs on the winged visitors 24/7. Water levels are fine-tuned, patrols are ramped up, and an integrated network makes sure no bird slips under the radar.
Why It Matters for Us
Sitting on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway – one of the world's biggest bird highways 🌏 – Qilihai is a pit stop for over 600,000 birds this season. Healthy stopovers mean healthier ecosystems, cleaner water and epic birdwatching vibes from India's Chilika Lake to Cambodia's Tonle Sap. So grab your phone, snap a pic, and share the wonder with fellow bird lovers!
Reference(s):
China's Qilihai Wetland reports record bird counts, earlier migration
cgtn.com
