Qinhuangdao sees migration peak of large wading birds
Qinhuangdao in North China's Hebei province has seen a major migration peak of large wading birds, with Oriental white storks, red-crowned cranes, and Siberian cranes passing through the city in flocks on their southward journey since early this month.
Qinhuangdao lies on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and serves as a key stopover and resting site for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds each year. The Dachaoping wetland in Beidaihe district has become a popular birdwatching destination.
Crane flocks have been seen flying south in formation, their calls echoing over the tidal flats. Oriental white storks, with black-and-white plumage and long red bills, arrived in groups of dozens to hundreds, gliding on sea breezes without stopping on the mudflats.
According to Li Jun, secretary-general of the Qinhuangdao Bird and Habitat Conservation Association, the appearance of swan geese, Oriental white storks, and Siberian cranes over the city since early November marks the arrival of the migration peak for large wading birds.
The peak is expected to last about half a month, he said. The birds will fly south for winter and return along the same route in mid-to-late March next year to nest and breed.
According to local authorities, nearly 1,000 Oriental white storks have been observed this season, far exceeding previous years.
Qinhuangdao has gradually strengthened bird protection, rescue, and release work. The Beidaihe bird rescue center, established in 2015, has rescued more than 1,200 birds under first- and second-class national protection and over 12,000 under third-class protection.
Last year, a regional bird conservation alliance for the Bohai Rim was launched, and a nearly 40,000-square-meter release and adaptation area was completed to help rehabilitated birds return to the wild.
Local authorities have also issued new policies, including a province-first forest chief order on bird protection and a reward notice for reporting wildlife violations.