Birdwatching season is coming! But what are the new trends?

As most migratory birds settle down in wintering grounds, birdwatching has become popular in different parts of China. What are the new trends of this birdwatching season? What changes are taking place at these birdwatching sites?

The Yellow Sea Wetland in Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province is an important stopover site for migratory birds on the East Asian-Australian flyway. Now, over 100,000 birds have arrived here. To watch birds closely and capture sharp and beautiful photos, shutterbugs are looking for the best equipment.

At a camera shop in Yancheng, business is booming. The boss Xu Qing is busy showing cameras and lenses for citizens. Customers that look for telephoto lenses are mostly bird lovers. "The prices of telephoto lenses range from 20,000 yuan ($2,799) to 100,000 yuan ($13,990). In the past, we could hardly sell one in one or two years, but now we can sell over 20 telephoto lenses per year." said Xu. 

Some bird photographers also purchase telescopes and birdwatching tents to capture the best moment without disturbing the birds, adding vitality to related businesses. 

As the ecological environment has improved in recent years, people don't need to travel long distances to spot birds. Birdwatching by bike has become a new way of leisure. 

In east China's Jiangxi Province, a group of over 10 people has cycled from Nanchang City to the Nanji Wetlands near the Poyang Lake to enjoy the best birding season. "We ride about 70 kilometers to arrive here. The birds are not afraid of people, and stay very close to us. Humans and nature are really in harmony with each other." said Qi Lin, a cycling lover in Jiangxi.  

Apart from taking stunning photos, some people crave more knowledge of the birds. In Xiamen City, southeast China's Fujian Province, nature education tours are held for students. The kids can learn characteristics of each bird, such as when they will migrate to Xiamen, and what they require for a habitat. Through observation and education, students begin to care for these birds and want to protect them.

Local governments are also making efforts to protect the environment, paving ways for bird tourism. At the birdwatching site in Chaqizhou, Yugan County, east China's Jiangxi Province, the number of visits has exceeded 100,000 so far. The local government has invested over 4 million yuan ($561,191) to improve the environment, creating a better habitat for both birds and people. 

(Cover image via CFP)