BEIJING－With binoculars in hand and a long-lens camera slung over his shoulder, Fang Chun traveled 17 kilometers every day around a wetland to observe migratory birds and record different species.

The 53-year-old bird watcher has done this for the past 15 years at the Beijing Wild Duck Lake Wetland, the largest wetland nature reserve in the capital.

Covering 6,873 hectares, the wetland is a key habitat for migratory birds in northern China. "Observing migratory birds can be important as it helps keep track of their health conditions and is also an evaluation of the ecological performance of the wetland," Fang said ahead of World Migratory Bird Day, which fell on Saturday.

To identify different bird species, the former physical education teacher started off learning from books and pictures. Sometimes he took his photos of birds to experts to help with the identification process.

Over time, he has become an expert on migratory birds, able to discern different species at a glance.

"Look! Over there are two spot-billed ducks, four egrets and a black-winged stilt," he said while recently wandering around the lake.

As many as 348 species of migratory birds have been spotted at the reserve, of which 11 are under China's highest level of protection.

"So far this year, the wetland has seen a total of 246 migratory swans and over 200 nests with newly hatched herons," Fang said.

"I am so excited to see a growing number of birds stop here for breeding, nesting and rearing their young."

Year-round observation, however, is not easy. Spring and fall are the busiest times of the year for Fang. He always leads a group of young enthusiasts to observe the birds and teach them how to identify different species.

In summer, the observers have to confront enormous swarms of mosquitoes, while in winter, they have to brave the cold wetland to provide corn and sorghum for birds and save injured and sick ones.

In the winter of 2012, the wetland was hit by a snowstorm and the snow depth reached over 70 centimeters.

"My colleagues and I managed to make our way to the crane habitat and feed them," he recalled. "Severe weather can pose challenges for migratory birds. We must do all we can to help them get through."

Fang's love for the birds defies any challenge.

"Whenever I see birds coming back to this place, I could not be happier," said Fang, adding that he also feels a sense of comfort as the birds' stay at the reserve means his hard work and efforts have paid off.

Fang hopes more people will take good care of the environment and birds. "With more birds coming to rest, the environment will get better, which will ultimately benefit people," he said.

Xinhua