On October 13th, staff members of the Lashihai Lashihai Protection Area spotted over 1,000 common coots (Fulica atra) foraging on the lake surface near Dayu Village. On the 15th, the reserve conducted its first synchronized survey of 2024, recording approximately 5,000 migratory birds across 34 species. As of today, the number has swelled to over 20,000.

 According to local lore, "Migratory birds arrive no later than the ninth day of the ninth lunar month and depart no later than the third day of the third lunar month." Currently, the majority of birds at Lashihai are common coots and a few other species of geese and ducks. The next wave of arrivals will include common cranes, diving ducks, and later, graylag goose (Anser anser) and bar-headed goose (Anser indicus). By mid-November, most of the wintering migratory birds will have arrived at Lashihai. January and February are typically the most stable periods for species variety and population numbers, with the peak usually occurring in January.

Recent monitoring shows that nearly 100,000 migratory birds winter at Lashihai annually, representing close to 50 species.

Scenery of Lashihai. (Photo by He Yunfeng)

Lashihai is a typical highland karst wetland, boasting high conservation and research value. These wetlands are characterized by complex structures and are both fragile and sensitive. 

In recent years, the Lijiang Lashihai Plateau Wetland Provincial Nature Reserve Management Bureau has strengthened cooperation with scientific research institutions and universities. They've established a highland wetland field observation research station, conducting scientific diagnoses of the wetland based on research and observation. This has led to tailored measures for protecting and restoring Lashihai's lava wetland. 

The bureau adheres to the principles of prioritizing protection, strict management, systematic governance, scientific restoration, and rational utilization. They've secured national wetland protection and restoration project funds through multiple channels. Combining natural recovery with artificial restoration, they've improved over 1,000 hectares of bird habitats, enhancing the wetland ecosystem's quality.

Migratory bird at Lashihai: graylag goose (Anser anser). (Photo by He Yunfeng)

Migratory bird at Lashihai: Common Cranes. (Photo by He Yunfeng)

Monitoring data reveals three significant changes in the activity patterns of birds at Lashihai: First, the number of birds has remained stable at around 100,000 each year, making it the largest gathering of migratory birds in Yunnan Province. Second, new bird species appear each year, with recent records including pheasant-tailed jacanas, lesser adjutant, greater spotted eagles, painted snipes, and red-wattled lapwings. Third, many birds prefer foraging in the restored habitat areas, indicating successful restoration efforts.

Migratory bird at Lashihai: Grey Herons. (Photo by He Yunfeng)

Migratory bird at Lashihai: Common Moorhens. (Photo by He Yunfeng)

As the migratory season is in full swing, thousands of birds will soon arrive at Lashihai for wintering. The protection area's top priority is ensuring a safe and comfortable wintering environment for these birds. Daily patrols and monitoring are in place to minimize human disturbance and impact, while also strengthening disease monitoring and protection of the birds' life safety. The administration will also continue to restore and enhance the bird habitats, conduct research on migratory bird patterns, and collect and analyze data to support bird conservation and wetland protection.

The best spots for birdwatching at Lashihai are:

1.The shoreline of Dayu Village, where thousands of birds gather spectacularly on the lake.

2.The patrol path in Hainan, where large areas of grassland and lake water converge, large waders like common cranes and black storks can be observed clearly even without specialized equipment.

Autumn scenery at Lashihai. (Photo by He Yunfeng)

Tips for watching Migratory Birds at Lashihai:

The Lijiang Lashihai Plateau Wetland Provincial Nature Reserve Management Bureau advises visitors to:

1.Wear subdued colors like green, khaki, or black, avoiding bright colors such as red, yellow, or blue.

2.Keep quiet, respect the birds without chasing or harming them.

3.Watch from a distance (30-200 meters) and use binoculars or telephoto lenses to observe the birds.

4.Refrain from feeding the birds, as this can disrupt their natural food chain.

5.Avoid disturbing breeding birds or using inappropriate methods to attract them.

6.If you encounter injured or lost birds, do not attempt to rescue them. Instead, contact the local forestry department.

Click here to view the Chinese report

(Editors: Jennifer, Rachel)