Move over, snowbirds – Hebei Province’s Hengshui Lake is stealing the spotlight this winter with over 60,000 feathered guests! Local authorities report record numbers of migratory birds settling into this ecological hotspot, including rare VIP species like the ultra-rare Baer’s pochard and the camera-shy great bustard (last seen here in 2021!).
Despite this winter’s extra-chilly temps, experts say the reserve’s improved wetlands and buffet-style mudflats are keeping wings flappy. \"It’s like nature’s five-star hotel for migratory birds,\" quips An Chunlin, a provincial ecology expert. The surge in bird traffic reflects major eco-upgrades – think of it as Mother Nature’s Yelp review:
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Quick geography hack: This UNESCO-listed site isn’t just pretty waterscapes – it’s the #1 pitstop for birds cruising the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (nature’s version of an intercontinental highway
). Since monitoring began, 334 species have been spotted here – perfect inspiration for your next birding Instagram reel!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com