Explore Top Nature Reserves as Winter Birdwatching Lands in China’s Chongqing
Yes, I understand! As a traveling photographer, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting sights to capture with my camera. And when it comes to birds, I’ve been lucky enough to see some truly amazing species in my travels.
For example, one time I was exploring the dense jungles of the Amazon and came across a stunning toucan perched high up in a tree. Its bright orange and yellow beak was unlike anything I had ever seen before, and I couldn’t resist taking dozens of photos from every angle possible.
Another time, I found myself in the arid deserts of the American Southwest, where I spotted a roadrunner darting across the dusty landscape. This iconic bird was incredibly fast and agile, and I had to work quickly to capture its sleek form in motion.
And let’s not forget the breathtaking bald eagles I saw soaring above the rugged coastline of Alaska. These majestic birds of prey are a symbol of American pride and freedom, and I was thrilled to be able to photograph them in their natural habitat.
Whether I’m in the rainforests of South America or the tundras of the Arctic, there’s always something new and exciting to discover when it comes to bird photography. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to travel the world and capture these amazing creatures on film.
As a lover of migratory birds, I was thrilled to learn that there are currently 91 species of nationally protected birds in Chongqing. It’s always heartening to hear about efforts to protect and preserve these beautiful creatures, especially in a country like China, which is known for its rapid economic growth and urbanization.
But what’s even more exciting is that Chongqing is home to some of the top scenic spots for viewing migratory birds. From the majestic Chinese merganser to the playful pochard, there’s no shortage of incredible bird species to see in this region.
One of the best places to spot these birds is the Wulong Karst National Geology Park, which is located in the southeast of Chongqing. This scenic area is home to a diverse range of habitats, from deep canyons to lush forests, making it an ideal place for birds to nest and thrive.
Another great spot for bird watching is the Qijiang River Wetland Park, which is situated in the southwest of Chongqing. This protected area is home to a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, ponds, and streams, all of which provide essential habitat for migratory birds.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the protection measures that have been put in place to safeguard these birds and their habitats. Chongqing has implemented a range of policies and programs aimed at protecting migratory birds, including habitat restoration, pollution control, and public education campaigns.
As a traveling photographer, I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to witness these amazing birds in their natural habitats. And I’m heartened to see that Chongqing is doing its part to ensure that these birds will be around for generations to come.
Tianxian Lake: Admire the graceful dance of mergansers
There’s something truly special about witnessing the beauty and tranquility of nature firsthand, and that’s exactly what I experienced on a cold December day at Tianxian Lake Park in Wanzhou District. As I watched from a distance, I saw a magnificent Chinese merganser gracefully swimming on the surface of the lake, searching for food at its leisure.
The Chinese merganser is a rare and protected bird species, so it was a real treat to see it in its natural habitat. And I wasn’t the only one enjoying this serene moment – a group of four magpie ducks were splashing in the water, playfully chasing each other and adding to the beauty of the scene.
It was heartening to see that these rare visitors had warmed the feelings of the Wanzhou citizens who were also enjoying the peaceful setting of the park. I could see the joy on their faces as they watched these beautiful birds go about their daily activities.
As a photographer, I couldn’t resist the urge to capture this moment of ecological serenity with my lens. And I wasn’t the only one – several other photographers were also watching from a distance, capturing the beauty of these rare birds with their own cameras.
It’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of protecting our natural world and its inhabitants. I feel grateful to have been able to witness such a beautiful display of nature, and I hope that through our collective efforts, we can ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and serenity of our planet’s wildlife.
In Wanzhou District, there is a firm commitment to promoting green development and safeguarding the ecological environment, with particular attention paid to the protection of the Yangtze River waterways and the enhancement of water quality in the area. This unwavering dedication has led to a significant improvement in the local environment, and as a result, an increasing number of migratory birds now make stopovers in Wanzhou during their migratory journeys.
On Tianxian Lake in Wanzhou District, the Chinese merganser displays its grace and elegance, as captured in a photo by Wei Ruogu.
Guangyang Isle: Migratory birdlife warms the heart
At Guangyang Isle, a wetland park of breathtaking beauty, countless migratory birds have found a welcoming home, adding to the already stunning landscape. The blue skies, white clouds, sparkling waters, and gentle sunlight create a picturesque setting for these fluttering birds, warming the hearts of the local people and visitors alike.
Guangyang Isle has taken measures to safeguard its biodiversity by dividing the area into three distinct ecological regions, namely mountainous forests, level fields, and wetlands with sloped banks. Following an ecological restoration project, which rescued the isle from its former designation as a site for mass real estate development, Guangyang now serves as a haven for a wide variety of birdlife, who are attracted to the area in droves. As a result, this scenic location has become home to an impressive 214 species of birds.
Guangyang Isle, which was originally slated for large-scale development, has been transformed into an ecological paradise in the midst of the Yangtze River, as captured in a photo by Guo Xu.
Yangtze River: Serene Jiangjin provides an ideal stopover
The area around Zhiping Town in Jiangjin District boasts the most unspoiled natural wetlands in Chongqing along the Yangtze River. This pristine environment provides a rich source of food and an ideal habitat for over 20 rare bird species, including grebes, egrets, herons, and Chinese mergansers.
