On the last moments of Christmas, I visited Shenzhen Bay for birdwatching after a long hiatus. As winter settled in Shenzhen, the number of bird species had once again increased. Around 7 a.m. in the morning, even though the tide was low and the birds were at a distance, I could still observe a large number of birds from the shore.
As expected, I saw many mynas, perhaps the most abundant species in Shenzhen Bay, and they were not at all afraid of humans. I also witnessed a spectacular scene when hundreds of ducks and shrikes took off together: by nearly 8 a.m., the birds had completed most of their foraging activities, and the sight of the entire flock taking flight was truly magnificent.
The location where I went birdwatching was at the mouth of the Dasha River in Shenzhen, where you can clearly see the mixing of freshwater and seawater. Right at this freshwater-saltwater junction, large flocks of herons were either foraging or resting. These areas offer rich food resources, making them ideal for herons. The transition zone typically has mixed water conditions and diverse aquatic life, including fish, crustaceans, and insects, which attract abundant prey. Additionally, these shallow waters are perfect for foraging and resting, while also providing a safe environment to avoid predators. Therefore, this convergence zone is an ideal habitat for herons. The Black-faced Spoonbill, which is rarely seen in Shenzhen Bay, also favors such environments.
(the region with dimmer color is the sea)
During this visit to Shenzhen Bay, I also encountered something I strongly oppose—baiting birds, or rather, "baiting" for photography (since no actual photos were being taken). While observing seagulls freely flying over the sea, I suddenly saw them all flocking in one direction, gathering in front of an observation tower. Upon closer inspection, I saw a man throwing what seemed to be bread crumbs. While it's true that seeing large flocks of birds circling and flying can be fascinating, I have always emphasized that our actions should not disturb animals, even if such interference might seem harmless or beneficial at first glance.
