Zhanjiang Wetlands Discover 34 Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpipers
Ocean Net News: In March, with the warming weather, it's the season when a large number of migratory birds are returning north. Recently, a large number of migratory birds that wintered in Guangdong or transited through Guangdong were found foraging and replenishing energy in Guangdong nature reserves, sending out signals of return. On March 17th, 34 critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpipers were discovered in the Zhanjiang Red Mangrove National Nature Reserve, which is the second time that a large number of endangered Spoon-billed Sandpipers have been found in the Zhanjiang coastal wetlands.
Spoon-billed Sandpipers are one of the rarest birds in the world, with a number far less than pandas. Correspondent’s photo supplied.
Spoon-billed Sandpipers are very sensitive to the environment and have high requirements for habitat environment. In recent years, the number of Spoon-billed Sandpipers recorded in Guangdong coastal wetlands has gradually increased, which is an important manifestation of the new round of ‘Greening Guangdong’ action and the construction of various wetland parks.
Spoon-billed Sandpipers are one of the rarest birds in the world, currently there are only about 210-228 breeding Spoon-billed Sandpipers in the world, far fewer than pandas. It breeds in the frozen soil layer in northeastern Russia and winters in wetlands in East Asia and Southeast Asia. The adult birds are about 15 cm long, similar in size to sparrows, and its most unique feature is its spoon-shaped beak. Domestic bird watchers like to call it ‘Spooner’.
Monitoring personnel observed, which was a great visual feast.
Migratory Spoon-billed Sandpipers. Correspondent’s photo supplied.
Before returning, the Spoon-billed Sandpipers and their sensitivity required monitoring personnel to maintain a suitable distance for observation and recording. At this time, most of the Spoon-billed Sandpipers’ foreheads, necks, and wings began to show obvious breeding feathers, their calls were more frequent and dense, and they would spend a lot of time grooming their feathers or resting on the mudflats.
It’s a matter of fate to see these interesting migratory behaviors, especially difficult to encounter. According to the recent weather forecast, the wind direction in the coming days is also suitable for the migration of Spoon-billed Sandpipers.
