The 5th Bird and Plant Identification Contest for students is underway at the Haizhu National Wetland Park recently. A total of 56 teams consisting of more than 280 students from primary and secondary schools in Haizhu District, Guangzhou have participated in the contest.
During the contest, elementary students in Guangzhou have spotted two new species of birds—Yellow-headed Wagtail(黄头鹡鸰) and Greater Painted-Snipe (彩鹬) in Guangzhou's Haizhu Wetland. In particular, Greater Painted-Snipes were found in a family of three.
With these two species, Guangzhou Haizhu National Wetland Park has recorded 189 species of birds so far.
A Greater Painted-Snipe family is captured by Chen Shuhan, an elementary student, in the rice field of Haizhu National Wetland Park in early April. (Photo: Guangzhou Daily)
A Yellow-headed Wagtail is found by Guo Xuezhi, an elementary student, in the rice field of Haizhu National Wetland Park on April 15. (Photo: Guo Xuezhi)
In addition, at the competition site, students scattered around the wetland park in groups of five. Some looked around with binoculars, some recorded newly observed birds, and others crouched over plants to identify them.
"This is the first time a new bird has been found in the five bird-watching competitions in Haizhu Wetland," said Bu Biao, president of Guangzhou Sunshine Bird Protection Association. "As soon as the student said there is a Yellow-headed Wagtail, I took my camera to confirm. It really is!"
In Bu Biao's view, bird-watching remains meaningful to students, as it allows them get close to nature. After learning about birds, students will gradually cultivate an awareness of protecting birds and their natural environment.
Haizhu Wetland Park boasts lakes and rivers with the unique characteristics of delta cities. Integrating water conservancy projects and a wetland environment, the park enjoys charming natural scenery and rich biodiversity. In recent years, new species of insects have been discovered here, including Sphenoraia (Sphenoraioides) haizhuensis sp. nov. (海珠斯萤叶甲) and Falsonnanocerus haizhuensis (海珠珐轴甲). By April 15, 835 species of vascular plants and 189 species of birds have been recorded in Haizhu Wetland.
Author: Ariel, Jessie (intern)
Editor: Olivia, Steven, Monica, Jerry
