Black-faced spoonbills thrive at Nansha Wetland

Black-faced spoonbills perch on the water. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_nanshafabu]

Recently, at least 91 black-faced spoonbills have been spotted at Nansha Wetland in 2024, marking a 46.77 percent increase from 2022 and setting a new record.

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society revealed the astonishing findings of the 2024 global synchronized census, with a total of 6,988 black-faced spoonbills recorded worldwide, showing a 5.4 percent growth from the previous year.

Since 2014, Nansha Wetland has been welcoming the arrival of black-faced spoonbills, with the numbers increasing each year. Starting from 18 in 2016, 24 in 2017, 39 in 2018, 52 in 2020, 62 in 2022, and reaching 91 in 2024, the average annual growth rate over the eight years amounts to 38.28 percent.

This transformation of the wetland not only indicates an improvement in its ecological environment but also highlights Guangzhou's achievements in environmental governance and protection. The reappearance of rare species like the black-faced spoonbill is evidence of the success of Guangzhou's ecological efforts, which have enhanced biodiversity and provided valuable insights for natural habitat conservation.

During the May Day holiday, Nansha Wetland organized a carnival for visitors to observe and admire various bird species, including the black-faced spoonbill. The event, themed around wetland ecology and natural landscapes, offers a range of activities such as the embroidery flower exhibition, the non-motorized sea park with fun for children, and the wetland boat tour to explore spoonbill nests, providing an opportunity for visitors to get close to nature and enjoy camping in the wild.

Flocks of black-faced spoonbills migrate to Nansha Wetland. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_nanshafabu]