The migratory birds forage. (Photo/Wang Guofeng)
Chongqing - Since ecological protection and management began at Caohai Lake in Guizhou, over 200 species and 100,000 migratory birds, including 13 national first-class and 40 national second-class protected species, such as the black-necked crane and grey crane, have wintered there each October.
Caohai Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Guizhou, covers an area of about 46.5 square kilometers. With shallow waters, abundant grasses, and extensive mudflats, it forms a complete, open highland wetland ecosystem that provides an excellent habitat for birds. It is acclaimed as "the best birdwatching wetland in the world."
The black-necked crane is the "star" among the wintering migratory birds. The first batch of black-necked cranes landed at Caohai Lake, accompanied by their distinctive calls, signaling to patrol ranger Liu Guanghui that his "old friends" had arrived on schedule.
Liu, who works long hours outdoors, is responsible for monitoring and recording migratory birds. With his camera, he captures countless moments of coexistence between the birds and the lake. "It's like an annual appointment with them; I wait for their arrival, and the first photo of their wintering every year is taken by me," he says. His years of outdoor work have left traces on his face, yet his eyes are filled with the joy of watching over them.
Liu Guanghui photographs the black-necked cranes. (Photo/Wang Guofeng)
At the Hu Yelin roost, 112 black-necked cranes leisurely forage. There are seven such roosting sites in Caohai Lake. To ensure the cranes have a smooth wintering period, local villagers scatter grains in the fields early, and patrol rangers also deliver food, such as potatoes and corn, to their foraging grounds every day.
The continuous improvement of the ecosystem has made Caohai Lake a "paradise for birds." In addition to the "old friends" like the black-necked cranes, new visitors such as the pelican and the snow crane have arrived in recent years to winter. Species like the purple gallinule have even begun nesting, settling down as resident birds.
According to data, the number of national first-class protected species has increased from seven to 13, and the number of national second-class protected species has risen from 21 to 40. The number of bird species has grown from 220 to 249, while the wintering population of black-necked cranes has risen from 1,694 to 2,597. It has become the wintering ground with the highest population density of black-necked cranes in China.
Birdwatching enthusiast Li Xinglong, who grew up listening to migratory birds' calls, now uses his camera to document these "childhood companions." "They are my old friends that I must see every year. When this season arrives, I always think of them," he says.
"More and more birds are making Caohai Lake their home, and protecting them is our commitment," says Liu. Migratory birds have become an integral part of local life, with villagers remarking, "It's only when we hear the black-necked cranes calling that we feel at ease."
As the cold of winter recedes in March and April next year, the migratory birds will gradually migrate northward.
(Credit to Guizhou Daily)