"Birdwatching" is a common term in the photography circle, mainly referring to using a telephoto lens to shoot birds from a distance. It requires precise focusing and patient waiting, and does not involve harming birds literally.
Beijing has rich bird resources. Yuyuantan Park and Olympic Forest Park for "birdwatching" are both famous birdwatching spots in Beijing. There are many other good places for "birdwatching" as well.
PART 01 Beijing Wenyuhe Park
Birdwatching destination
Beijing Wenyuhe Park is located at the junction of Chaoyang, Shunyi, and Changping, where the Qing He (River) and Wenyuhe (River) meet. It is a "golden name card" for the capital's ecological civilization construction.
The park has abundant bird resources, making it easier to capture good birdwatching shots.
Crested Kingfisher
The Crested Kingfisher is a bird species belonging to the Alcedinidae family of the Coraciiformes order. Its distinctive call of "ket ket" can often be heard in Wenyuhe Park, sometimes accompanied by a deep "ping" sound.
The Crested Kingfisher often perches alone on tree branches near water, on top of utility poles, or rocks, waiting to hunt. Once it spots prey, it swiftly dives down with a sharp and precise attack, returning with a full catch.
Long-tailed Shrike
The Shrike is a common migratory bird in China, with over twenty species in the family. In China, there are more than ten species, mostly found in open hilly forests and thorny shrubs, perching on tree tops and returning to branches after hunting on the ground.
The largest and least common in the Shrike family is the Long-tailed Shrike, with black central tail feathers and flight feathers, while the rest of its body is mostly white.
The shrike can hover in the air to search for prey, which is a highly skilled technique that sets it apart in the shrike family.
Black-winged kite
The black-winged kite is a bird of the Accipitridae family in the Falconiformes order, commonly known as the "gray hawk"! It is a second-level protected animal in the country. Despite its name containing the word "black," it is a raptor with outstanding appearance. Its gray-white feathers paired with blood-red eyes make it the "cool goddess" of the bird world!
The black-winged kite has a body length of about 33 centimeters. Despite its small size, it has explosive combat power. Its sharp claws and beak can make prey death in an instant. Its flying skills surpass other birds, representing a combination of beauty and strength!
Knob-billed swan
Everyone has seen "The Ugly Duckling," where the ugly duckling transforms into a white swan, a scene deeply ingrained in our hearts. However, knob-billed swans continue to "replay" the story of "The Ugly Duckling." When they are born, they are covered in gray fluff, unlike their parents with white feathers, slender light golden-brown necks, and orange bills.
The good news is that they grow quickly and can reach adult size in less than three months, possessing elegant swan necks. The bad news is that at this stage, they still have gray feathers, and the black beak and gray feathers will accompany the young swans throughout their adolescence.
It is not until at least one year old that the gray feathers will gradually be replaced by white feathers through molting.
PART 02 Hanshiqiao Wetland Park
Birdwatching destination
As the temperature rises, the Hanshiqiao Wetland Nature Reserve welcomes the "top-tier group" of northbound migratory birds. Dozens of migratory birds gracefully return to this wetland, known as the "Great Reed Marsh of Beijing East," putting on a cheerful spring show.
Black-crowned night heron
Entirely black with a snowy white forehead, it can elegantly swim in water and perform short-distance "water gliding" flights, making it an "all-around player."
Heron
Tall and erect, resembling a gentleman in a gray robe, with a long neck curved into an elegant "S" shape. Standing by the water for hours, it appears as if in deep meditation, yet transforms into a "lightning assassin" in the moment of hunting.
Gadwall
The chestnut color from the top of the head to the back of the neck, and the copper-green feathers on the neck shine brightly in the sunlight, earning it the nickname "wetland jewelry designer."
Spot-billed Duck
The iconic yellow pointed bill is the most recognizable "fashion business card," sometimes diving to catch fish, sometimes playing and chasing with companions.
PART 03 Yeyahu National Wetland Park
Birdwatching destination
Yeyahu National Wetland Park is a "five-star inn" for migratory birds, showcasing a spectacular ecological scene of thousands of birds gathering throughout the year. In spring, you can see swans dancing, in summer, watch herons raising their chicks, in autumn, enjoy the southward migration of cranes, and in winter, encounter raptors circling. It is suitable for birdwatching all year round.
December to February
Wintering season for resident birds
Main characters: cranes, bean geese, teal ducks
February
Spring migration period
Main characters: northbound cranes, advance party of herons, tundra swans
March
Spring migration period
Main characters: swans, plovers, gulls, raptors...
April
Spring migration period
Main characters: Red-flanked Bluetail, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Black Kite flock...
May-June
Breeding season
Main characters: Grey Heron, Crested Kingfisher, Black-crowned Night Heron...
July-August
Chick rearing period
Main characters: Crested Goshawk fledglings, Oriental Reed Warbler
September-November
Autumn migration period
Main characters: Arctic Warbler, Japanese Paradise Flycatcher, Pied Harrier... Wild Duck Lake Migratory Bird Calendar is here, follow this guide to unlock the beauty of the four seasons' wings together.
PART 04 Nanshaizi Park
Birdwatching destination
Nanshaizi Park has vast water areas, rich aquatic plants, and large areas of lake beaches and reed beds, providing suitable habitats for birds. Visitors can often see their figures on the lake surface in Nanshaizi Park.
Swan Goose
Swan Geese are social birds, often active in groups, especially forming large groups of tens, hundreds, or even thousands during migration seasons. In Nanshaizi Park, you can often see flocks of Swan Geese foraging, playing, or flying together on the water surface.
Every spring, as the weather warms up, some swans will migrate back to Nanhaizi from the south. In autumn, as the weather gradually cools down, they will fly south again for winter.
However, some swans will choose to stay at Nanhaizi due to its good habitat and abundant food.Mallards can often be seen gathering together on the water surface of Nanhaizi Park, where they forage, swim, and rest together.
The breeding season of mallards is from March to June each year. There are plenty of aquatic plants and shoreline vegetation such as reeds and cattails in Nanhaizi Park, providing mallards with concealed nesting places for resting and avoiding predators. The presence of vegetation also provides necessary conditions for mallard breeding, as they build nests and lay eggs in the vegetation.
Heron
The heron is a large water bird. The trees, reeds, or grass in the Deer Park and Lu Ming Lake in Nanhaizi Park are common nesting and roosting sites for herons.
They often stand still by the water for a long time, patiently waiting for prey to approach. Once the timing is right, they will swiftly strike, using their long necks and dagger-like beaks to catch prey.
PART 05 Cuihu National Urban Wetland Park
Birdwatching destination
Starting from April 1st, Cuihu National Urban Wetland Park will resume its reservation-based opening hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:30.
Birdwatching news at Cuihu in spring 2025. As of the end of December 2024, Cuihu National Urban Wetland Park has observed a total of 307 species of wild birds, including 15 species under national first-level protection, 56 species under national second-level protection, and 81 key protected bird species in Beijing. It has become the largest natural breeding ground for swans, herons, and common cormorants in Beijing. Come and enjoy birdwatching.
For more birdwatching destinations, you can check out the "Beijing Smart Birdwatching Interactive Map" and "Beijing Spring Birdwatching Guide" launched by the Beijing Municipal Forestry and Parks Bureau. The "Beijing Smart Birdwatching Interactive Map" covers 49 selected birdwatching spots, providing detailed information on each spot, common bird species found there, the best birdwatching seasons, and year-round birdwatching guides, allowing enthusiasts to choose based on their interests and time.
Scan the QR code to view the "Beijing Smart Birdwatching Map".The "Beijing Spring Bird Watching Guide" is tailored for the spring season, covering 22 best bird watching spots in the Beijing area, accompanied by exquisite bird illustrations and ecological interpretations, aiming to provide a seasonal observation window for bird enthusiasts.
When "birding," pay attention to maintaining distance and avoiding disturbance.
When bird watching and photographing wild birds, it is important to keep a safe distance from the birds, avoid loud noises, chasing birds, and using flashlights to prevent disrupting the birds' normal activities.Resist the behavior of "enticing photography" and "studio photography."
It is recommended to observe and record birds in their natural environment. Various forms of "enticing photography" and "studio photography" can increase the risk of accidental injuries to birds. Feeding birds may lead to changes in their natural migration patterns, residency habits, and group behaviors, threatening the safety of birds.Do not disturb the normal breeding behavior of birds.
Do not destroy bird nests or expose nest locations for photography and observation. During the breeding season of birds, it is important to stay away from bird nests and areas where chicks are present to prevent serious disruptions to the birds' breeding behavior.Do not enter closed-off areas for "birding" without permission.
Choose suitable bird watching locations, follow the management regulations of parks, reserves, and other areas, do not enter closed-off areas without permission, refrain from damaging trees, flowers, etc., avoid littering, and protect the habitats where birds rely on for survival.Respect local customs and traditions.
When bird watching and photographing birds, pay attention to your own safety and property. When traveling to other areas for bird watching and photography, respect local customs and traditions, and be a civilized and polite bird watcher.
