A rare Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) was spotted at Huizhou West Lake in Guangdong Province recently, marking the first recorded sighting of the species in the province. The bird has now been observed staying at the lake for about one month.
The Oriental Darter gets its name from its slender, snake-like neck. When it spreads its wings, two clusters of white, gladiolus-like plumes emerge on its back, making it highly distinctive. The species is rare worldwide. It is mainly inhabited in Southeast Asia. In recent years, its population is expanding northward.
The sighting has quickly attracted birdwatchers and photographers from across China. Enthusiasts have traveled from as far as Beijing and Chongqing to visit the lake. Every morning, they gather along the lakeshore, set up their telephoto lenses to capture footage of the bird.
The presence of such a rare bird in Guangdong is no coincidence. Liu Yang, an ornithologist at Sun Yat-sen University, said the Oriental Darter is highly sensitive to water quality and habitat conditions. Its presence reflects the ecological improvements achieved through the "Green and Beautiful Guangdong" initiative.
Video editor | Liang Weichun
Video footage | Wu Tianyu, Luo Rui
Photo | Chen Xihui
Design | Liu Xiaona
