In early November, as a crucial stopover site along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, Beijing's Miyun District welcomed the first flock of migratory birds for this autumn and winter. Species such as the taiga bean goose and whooper swan have successively arrived at the local waters, including the Miyun Reservoir and the Qingshui River.

In the coming days, rare bird species like common crane and Oriental stork will also arrive. The peak period for migration is expected to last until late November or, possibly, early December.

The first flock of migratory birds arriving at the Miyun Reservoir 

[Photo by Song Huiqiang]

Miyun District stands as one of Beijing's regions with the most bird species, with a total of 419 recorded species of wild birds. Among these, 22 are under national first-class protection, 73 are under national second-class protection, and 99 are under municipal protection in Beijing. Thanks to its excellent ecological quality, abundant forests, wetlands, and food sources for birds, Miyun has become a vital refueling station for these birds. Every year, tens of thousands of migratory birds rest here, gathering energy before continuing their journey to their final destinations.

(Source: The Beijing News)