Migratory birds flock to precious wetland refuge

SHIJIAZHUANG－On hot summer days, flocks of birds either paddle on the tranquil waters or perch among the lush reeds at Nandagang wetland in Cangzhou city, North China's Hebei province.

As an important coastal wetland in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Nandagang is a major waypoint and rest stop for migratory birds in Northeast Asia.

Every year, more than 300 species of birds, numbering about 100,000, pass through the wetland. The period from May to July is the peak season for bird breeding there.

However, due to the severe shortage of rain and high temperatures this year, there are many challenges for bird reproduction in the wetland.

In order to create a viable environment for migratory birds, wetland conservationists have taken a slew of timely measures.

"We have launched a water diversion and storage project and regularly monitored the amount and quality of the water to meet the needs of birds and plants in the wetland," says Meng Zhaolei, director of the Nandagang wetland and bird nature reserve management office.

"Now the water storage capacity of Nandagang exceeds 13 million cubic meters, which plays an important role in protecting wetland biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance," adds Meng.

Being close to a city cluster, the wetland is also a tourist attraction for nearby residents. To better monitor the health of the birds and carry out any necessary rescue operations, Nandagang has organized a special team to patrol the wetland.

In addition, the wetland has organized activities to enhance the awareness of bird protection among the public.

Pan Hongxi, 56, has worked as a gatekeeper at the wetland for 30 years. After work, he also volunteers to help with bird rescues.

"During the hatching season, many flightless chicks often run out into nearby roads, where they risk being run over by passing cars or getting burned by the hot asphalt. I help relocate the chicks to safe places," says Pan.

In June alone, he saved more than 20 birds.

Meng Derong, who is in charge of the wildlife rescue center of Cangzhou city, has also been engaged in bird rescue for 22 years.

"I have rescued more than 2,000 sick and injured wild birds. It is my mission to provide a warm and comfortable home for them," says Meng.

"Our efforts have borne fruit. Despite the hot weather and lack of precipitation this year, more than 40 kinds of bird have flown to Nandagang wetland to breed, which gives me a tremendous sense of accomplishment," adds Meng.

Xinhua