Variety of migrating birds increases on Wailingding

Twelve previously unsighted bird species were spotted recently on Wailingding Island during the 2018 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area & 4th Pan-Pearl River Delta Zhuhai Island Birdwatching Invitationals.

They are the red collared dove, brain-fever bird, red-rumped swallow, Asian brown flycatcher, yellow wagtail, night heron, ruddy turnstone, lesser sand plover, yellow-bellied prinia, Asian house martin, grey-tailed tattler, and Chinese pond-heron.

In all, 60 varieties from 26 families in seven orders were observed. Fifteen more unrecorded birds were sighted than last year, an increase of 33.3 percent.

Organized by the Zhuhai Bird Watching Society, the event promotes sustainable development of island ecology, bird watching, and protection. This year's competition lasted two days and consisted of 23 teams of ornithologists and bird lovers.

Night heron [File photo]

The diversity indicates that the island's ecological environment is becoming stronger, said Guo Jungong, society president. He expects that the competition will create greater public awareness of the importance of protecting the island.

The City of a Hundred Islands, Zhuhai is located on the Asia-Oceania Bird Migration Route and is rich in avian resources. In 2010, there were 173 varieties recorded -- 34.12 percent of the total species in Guangdong Province, according to the Local Survey Report of Terrestrial Wild Vertebrate Resources in Zhuhai compiled by the South China Institute of Endangered Animals.

Recommended bird-watching sites in Zhuhai are Haibin and Bailiandong (White Lotus Cave) parks in Jida, Yeli Island in Old Xiangzhou, Qi'ao Island in Tangjiawan, Wailingding Island in the Wanshan Archipelago, Mangzhou Wetland Park on Hengqin Island, and Sanban Village in Jinwan District.