Chinese mergansers, known as the giant panda among birds, were spotted at the Nanling National Nature Reserve in Guangdong during a bird-watching competition. The bird's global population is less than 5,000, hence it is under first-class state protection in China.

It is the first time this endangered species has been spotted in Nanling. A team from Foshan discovered them during the first Nanling Birding Festival and Carnival that kicked off on November 20.

(Photo provided to Newsgd.com)

The festival carried out bird-watching competitions, bird photography exhibitions, bird discrimination activities, sharing sessions and more. Presenting a forest cultural feast. A total of 15 professional birding teams and 30 public groups participated in the competition, and the team from Sun Yat-sen University recorded a total of 92 bird species and won the first prize.

(Photo provided to Newsgd.com)

Possessing the most abundant bird and biological resources in Guangdong, Nanling National Nature Reserve is one of the 14 biodiversity hotspots in China. With more than 300 kinds of bird species, it is also rated as one of the top ten bird-watching places in the province.

In addition, with the improvement of the ecological environment, flocks of little egrets, which are highly sensitive to environmental quality, can be seen along the Pearl River and many rivers in Guangzhou recently. Compared to 2010, the range of little egrets has expanded by two to three times and the number has increased by three to five times in downtown Guangzhou.

(Photo: Guangzhou Daily)

Where to watch birds in downtown Guangzhou:

● Tianzi Wharf (天字码头)

● Binjiang Xi Road (滨江西路)

● Haixinsha Asian Games Park (海心沙亚运公园)

● Haizhu Chong (海珠涌)

● Liede Chong (猎德涌)

Bird-watchingTips

● Little egrets like to prey on small fish and shrimps. Some tidal flats with a depth of about 20 cm are their best hunting grounds.

● Little egrets like to hunt in shallow water in the early morning, and they rest and groom in trees or on the shore after eating. Some birds also accept feeding if mutual trust is established with humans.

Author | Holly

Editor | Monica, Jerry