Jiangsu Birding Tours

Lying on the Yangtze River Delta in east China, Jiangsu Province covers an area of 102600 square kilometers. It is the lowest province of China because most parts of the province standing at under 50 meters in sea elevation. The province is mainly formed by Sunan, Jianghuai, Huanghuai and Eastern Coastal Plains.Situated in the transitional area between north China and South China, Jiangsu has abundant wildlife from both north and south areas.One bird migration path from East Asia to Australia goes through this province.

There are numerous rivers and lakes in Jiangsu Province including Taihu and Hongze Lakes which are the two of the largest freshwater lakes in China. And the long coastline with broad mudflats endowed Jiangsu with the abundant bird species especially water birds. According to the statistics, there are 448 bird species recorded in Jiangsu Province. The northern Jiangsu experiences a temperate semi-humid monsoon climate while the southern part has a subtropical humid monsoon climate.
The capital of Jiangsu Province is Nanjing, one of the most famous ancient capitals of China.Following are some important bird habitats in Jiangsu Province.

Some Important Birding Sites in Jiangsu Province
Yancheng Nature Reserve
Located in east of Jiangsu Province, Yancheng Nature Reserve was established in 1983 and upgraded to a national reserve in 1992. It was included in the List of Ramsar wetlands of international importance in 2002. The reserve aims to protect Red-crowned Cranes and the coastal wetlands. Covering 45.33 hectares, Yancheng Nature Reserve is the largest coastal reserve. There are 379 bird species have been recorded in the reserve. As an important stopover and wintering habitat, there are over 3 million migrating birds fly through and almost 1 million inhabit here during ever spring and autumn. The reserve also boasts the largest wintering place for Red-crowned Cranes.

Dafeng Nature Reserve
Established in 1986 and became a national reserve in 1997, Dafeng Nature Reserve is located in Dafeng county east of Jiangsu facing the Yellow Sea. In 2002, the reserve was listed in Ramsar wetlands of international importance. It aims to protect the David’s Deer and their habitat. The reserve is rich biodiversity which has recorded 315 bird species including 4 first-grade state protection species and 19 second-grade state protection ones
Laoshan Forest Park
Located in Jiangpu Nanjing the north shore of the Yangtze River, the park covers an area of 7493.33 hectares and 80% of the park is forest. The park was established in 1991 and it used to be a log farm. The park has abundant botanical resources with about 726 plant species which make it an excellent habitat for forest birds. According to statistics, the reserve has recorded 164 bird species including Fairy Pitta(Pitta nympha),Crested Serpent Eagle(Spilornis cheela) and some other rare species.