Reluctant to Leave Weihai? This Northbound Swan Returns
It's currently the season when the Great White Swans are migrating from Weihai to Rongcheng. However, staff at the Rongcheng Great White Swan National Nature Reserve unexpectedly discovered that 'F52', a Great White Swan, recently flew to Zhaohua City, Liaoning Province, and did not continue its northward migration, but returned to Rongcheng. This phenomenon is very rare.
Great White Swan 'F52' footage provided by Huoyancang Tourism Resort
On March 3rd, within Baihua Lake, Huoyancang Tourism Resort, Rongcheng, 'F52' the Great White Swan was happily feeding. 'We observed that 'F52' took off from Baihua Lake at 4 p.m. on February 27th and migrated north. It arrived in Zhaohua City, Liaoning Province, at 10 a.m. on February 29th. According to the normal pattern, it should continue to fly north to its breeding ground. However, at 6 a.m. on March 1st, this swan broke its normal routine and did not continue north; instead, it flew back to Rongcheng, arriving at Jinhai Bay, Rongcheng, at 1 p.m. and finally arrived at Baihua Lake at 3 p.m.
Rongcheng Great White Swan National Nature Reserve staff said that over three days, this swan's migration total journey reached 600 kilometers.
This special Yellow Sea Strait crossing journey has attracted the special attention of the protection zone staff. What caused 'F52' to be so fond of Weihai and return to Rongcheng? Protection zone staff said that this phenomenon is very rare, and the reason is still under research. They will continue to observe and may have the possibility of 'F52' continuing to migrate north.
It is reported that last November, staff at the Rongcheng Great White Swan National Nature Reserve installed tracking devices for 10 swans. 'F52' was installed with a tracking device at that time, and staff could closely monitor its movements.
