Wuxi records first-ever day with over 1,000 raptors

Crested serpent eagle is spotted in Wuxi by a birdwatcher nicknamed Luotuo. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]

Wuxi has recorded its first-ever day with more than 1,000 migrating raptors, marking a milestone in the city's bird monitoring efforts and highlighting its role as a stopover along the autumn migration route.

Since Aug 16, birdwatchers have recorded 8,874 raptors from 21 species in the city, including 3,139 crested goshawks, a species whose numbers have already surpassed previous autumn records.

Crested honey buzzard is spotted in Wuxi by a birdwatcher nicknamed Andy. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]

The milestone came on Sept 25, when volunteers counted 1,439 raptors in a single day, mainly crested goshawks, crested honey buzzards and Eurasian hobbies. Another major sighting occurred on Sept 23, when 499 crested goshawks were recorded.

Crested goshawks, sometimes called "pigeon hawks" because of their resemblance to pigeons, are nationally protected in China. They breed in Wuxi during the summer before migrating to southern China and Southeast Asia for the winter.

Birdwatchers watch birds in Wuxi. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]

Experienced birdwatchers said migration patterns vary from year to year, influenced by breeding conditions and weather. However, years of monitoring have increasingly demonstrated Wuxi's importance as a stopover where migrating birds can rest and replenish their energy.

This autumn, more than 120 volunteers have joined monitoring activities at over 50 sites, including Hongsha Bay and Junzhang Mountain. Their combined observation time has reached nearly 835 hours.

The city is also stepping up efforts to protect migratory birds. Since the beginning of the year, authorities have inspected 325 sections of migration corridors and 2,911 priority areas along farmland-forest boundaries, deploying law enforcement personnel 12,534 times.

Officials urged the public to observe birds responsibly, avoid using drones to chase them or feeding them, keep natural habitats clean and take precautions when visiting wooded areas.