North China's Hebei releases first all-season birdwatching map

SHIJIAZHUANG -- A birdwatching map of Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve in North China's Hebei province has been published, marking the province's first all-season birdwatching guide for tourists and bird lovers.

After long-term observation, the staff crafted this map based on the characteristics of bird activities in different seasons at the reserve, according to Zhang Yuguang, a staffer with the reserve.

Zhang said the map contains information on some migratory and resident birds, the topography and bird distribution at the reserve, noting that tourists can access the guide through the reserve's WeChat mini program or view it at the tourist center.

Li Huilong, who works at the cultural tourism and sports development promotion center of Lakeside New Area, said the birdwatching map provides scientific guidance for study tours and scientific investigation, among other activities, which is conducive to conducting ecology popularization activities and enhancing people's awareness of protecting birds.

The Hengshui Lake, located in the city of Hengshui in Hebei, is a national nature reserve with the largest single water surface on the North China Plain, and with a complete wetland ecosystem of swamps, waters, mudflats, meadows and woodlands.

It is also an important stopping and wintering place for migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. To date, 334 species of birds have been spotted and recorded by the nature reserve staff.