The Shahe Reservoir in north Beijing is heaven for bird lovers. Each year, bird watching enthusiasts flock to the area to observe and record the lives of its avian inhabitants using binoculars and cameras equipped with telephoto lenses.

Today, Beijing is home to an increasing number of wetlands and lakes that provide habitats for wild birds. City parks such as the Summer Palace, where black swans are part of the beautiful scenery, have become breeding sites for wild bird populations. The budding richness of Beijing's habitats offers its human residents the chance to learn more about wild birds without leaving the city.

April 13 was the first day of this year's Beijing Bird-Loving Week, part of China's Bird-Loving Week. Established in 1981, the national event focuses on knowledge popularization and bird conservation.

According to the Beijing Gardening and Greening Bureau, thanks to Beijing's efforts to protect its biological diversity and the continuous improvement of the local environment, especially its wetlands, there are now over 500 species of wild birds living in the city. The number of wild bird species that call Beijing home has increased by nearly 80 over the past decade, making it one of the most biodiverse metropolises in the world. BR

(Text and photos by Wei Yao)

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