Photographers took photos in the bird watching pond during the 1st international bird watching competition. [Photo/Shao Weicen]

[InKunming--Yunnan] The 3rd International Bird Watching Festival in Gaoligong Mountain and the 1st “Gaoligong Mountain Cup” International Bird Watching Competition were held recently in Baihualing village, Baoshan city, Yunnan province, in which attracted 11 teams from home and abroad to participate.

The competition will select the group award, golden camera award and best record award based on various criteria, such as the number of bird species, the emotion and story of birds, the rareness of birds and so forth. 

Red-headed Tree Babbler, the gold award of the 1st “Gaoligong Mountain Cup” International Bird Watching Competition. [Photo/Caomuguzi]

As one of the most diverse bird regions in China, Gaoligong mountain is a popular place for many bird lovers and watchers to visit. There are 525 species of bird, accounting for 54.8% of Yunnan’s 958 species of bird. It is known as “a five-star international bird watching place”.

Blue-winged minla, the silver award of the 1st “Gaoligong Mountain Cup” International Bird Watching Competition. [Photo/Yang ji]

Long-tailed Wren-Babbler, the best record award of the 1st “Gaoligong Mountain Cup” International Bird Watching Competition. [Photo/Liu ji]

Yellow-throated Tit Babbler, the best record award of the 1st “Gaoligong Mountain Cup” International Bird Watching Competition. [Photo/Li Yong]

Darjeeling Woodpecker, the best record award of the 1st “Gaoligong Mountain Cup” International Bird Watching Competition. [Photo/Jiaxiangyoubao]

Since 2009, villagers of Baihualing have built 21 bird watching ponds for photographers. With a series of tourism services settled, the bird-watching industry has increased the income of the local and promoted the protection of ecological environment.

Click here to view Chinese report.

(Editors: Christine, Rachel)