Winter – The best
season for watching migrant birds in Shanghai
Shanghai is the
largest city by population in China. Due to its rapid development over the last
two decades it has again become a leading global city, with significant
influence in commerce, culture, finance, media, fashion, technology and
transport.
Nevertheless, if
you get tired of the urban life, there is still a good place for spending time
in nature. Chongming, listed as the third largest island in Greater China after
Taiwan and Hainan, is an alluvial island with an area of 1,041 square
kilometers in the mouth of Yangtze River. Now just a few wetlands can be found
in China. Chongming as one of the wetlands becomes the most important refuge
for migrant birds that annually fly from Siberia to Australia.
In winter, more
than 300 species of migrant birds gather in Chongming Dongtan Birds National
Nature Reserve, which include some rare species such as Hooded Crane and White
Stork. Chongming Dongtan Birds National Nature Reserve is also renowned for a
group migration of more than 3000 Cygnets. Chongming Island is the last stop
for most of the migrant birds that will fly to Australia directly, thus birds
are easier to be observed for their predation behavior.
Cygnets
Hooded Crane
White Stork
Since the birds
spend most of the day time in profundal zone, the best time for observing is in
the early morning or after sunset (I suggest early morning because of adequate
light which is important for photographer). But even by choosing the best
season and best time, you still need some luck to see the birds that you want
to see. Normally by two days observing, you can see around 65 species of birds.
REMEMBER: the birds are very vigilant so please keep at least 200 meters away
when observation.
Beside the bird
observation, there are still some local activities such as horse riding in a
country road, boat fishing in small lake and etc. You should also try the local
flavors which are made of extremely fresh vegetables (depends on seasons) or
chicken.
To get there,
taking a long distance bus or driving from downtown are the best options since
the Bridge-Tunnel was completed in 2010. For the accommodation, I suggest Dongtan
International Conference Center (near the Reserve). Family-style hotels can be
also easily found on the island.
Photos were taken from:
http://www.shwbs.org/swb/read.
http://www.nipic.com/show/1/
http://www.birdnet.cn/
http://tupian.hudong.com/a0_
Photos were taken from:
http://www.shwbs.org/swb/read.
http://www.nipic.com/show/1/
http://www.birdnet.cn/
http://tupian.hudong.com/a0_
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