Beijing isn't just about the Great Wall or buzzing tech hubs—it's home to over 500 bird species! 🐦 This year, UK-based naturalist Terry Townshend has been leading birdwatchers from around the globe to Guanting Reservoir in Yanqing district, on Beijing's outskirts.
When Terry first arrived, he didn't expect a city so alive with nature. From colorful orioles perched on urban trees to rare cranes stopping by on their migration route, Beijing's biodiversity surprised him—and now it can surprise you too!
Every spring and autumn, flocks of migratory birds make pit stops at Guanting Reservoir, about a 2-hour drive from downtown. Imagine spotting barheaded geese against the sunrise—seriously Insta-ready moments 📸.
Terry explains that the more we learn about these feathered travelers and their wild stories, the more we fall in love with nature. And when love kicks in, protecting our planet becomes second nature 🌍❤️. It’s a message that resonates from Singapore's urban wetlands to Delhi's green belts.
So, whether you're in Colombo craving a weekend escape or Ho Chi Minh City dreaming of a nature retreat, take a page from Terry's book: explore local birdwatching spots, join a wildlife group, or simply enjoy backyard birding. You might just find your own urban oasis!
Ready to chase the next migratory wave? Grab your binoculars and get set to see Beijing’s wild side like never before!
Reference(s):
Vibrant China: The wild side of Beijing in a British naturalist's eyes
cgtn.com
