A bird-watching map of Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve in north China's Hebei Province has been published, marking the province's first all-season bird-watching guide for tourists and bird lovers.
A bird-watching map of Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve presents diverse characteristics of birds recorded at the reserve, including the endangered oriental stork and the critically endangered Baer's pochard.
After long-term observations, the staff at Hengshui Lake created this map based on the characteristics of bird activities across different seasons, according to Zhang Yuguang, a dedicated member of the reserve team.
Zhang said the map contains information on some migratory and resident birds, the topography, and bird distribution at the reserve, noting that tourists can access the guide through the reserve's Weixin mini program or view it at the tourist center.
Li Huilong, associated with the cultural tourism and sports development promotion center of the Lakeside New Area in Hengshui City, said the bird-watching map provides scientific guidance for study tours and scientific investigations, which promotes ecological activities and enhances people's awareness of protecting birds.
Hengshui Lake, from a screenshot of CGTN's "Journeys in Nature" documentary series.
Hengshui Lake, located in the city of Hengshui, is the main part of the national nature reserve and boasts the largest single water surface on the North China Plain, with a complete wetland ecosystem of swamps, waters, mudflats, meadows and woodlands.
It is also an important stopping and wintering place for migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. To date, 334 species of birds have been spotted and recorded at the nature reserve, including the endangered Oriental stork and the critically endangered Baer's pochard.
More about Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve:
Journeys in Nature: Hebei Series
(Cover: a grey heron perches at Hengshui Lake, January 22, 2024. /CFP)