Birding in Wuhan City
Consisting of three parts, namely Wuchang, Hankou and Hanyang, Wuhan is the largest city and provincial capital of Hubei Province. The city is situated in the east of Jianghan Plain and the confluence of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and Hanshui River. With a total population of 9.78 million people, the city covers 8,467km2 and is one of the largest cities in central China. Now Wuhan is served as an important base for industries, education & science, and transportation hub in central China.
The revolution broken out in this city in 1911 overthrew the corrupt late Qing government and ended the feudal society which had been practiced in China for more than 2,000 years. Inside Wuhan, there are many different habitats for birds such as lakes, wetlands, and forests. Moreover, Wuhan is located on the migration passage for migratory birds in Asia.
Some Important Birding Sites in Wuhan
East Lake and Luoyan Scenic Area
As the most famous lake in Wuhan, East Lake covers 33km2 neighboring the most famous university Wuhan University. There are 34 hills sitting by the side of East Lake. More than 230 bird species have been recorded here. In winter, you can see large number of birds come here for winter. The Luoyan Scenic Area, which is located in the north of East Lake, has well-protected wetlands and is the paradise for many migratory birds including Pheasant -tailed Jacana, Slaty-breasted Rail, Common Goldeneye, Yellow Bittern, Long-toed Stint, Chinese Penduline Tit, Chestnut Bunting, Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Black-naped Oriole, Eurasian Jay, Azure-winged Magpie, Yellow-bellied Tit, Collared Finchbill, Silver-throated Bushtit, Hwamei, Masked Laughingthrush, White-browed Laughingthrush, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Dusky Thrush, Chinese Grosbeak, Yellow-throated Bunting, etc.
Wuhan Botanical Garden
With more than 8,000 plant species, Wuhan Botanical Garden covers over 70 hectares to the east of East Lake. The good vegetation provides good habitat for birds including some rare species. The birds you can find here include Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Striated Heron, Chinese Pond Heron, Crested Goshawk, Asian Koel, Large Hawk-Cuckoo, Speckled Piculet, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Black-naped Oriole, Ashy Drongo, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Yellow-bellied Tit, Collared Finchbill, Mountain Bulbul, Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, Pallas's Leaf Warbler, Masked Laughingthrush, Grey-backed Thrush, Japanese Thrush, Dusky Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Chinese Grosbeak, Yellow-throated Bunting, etc.
Yujiashan Hill
Located to the north of Huazhong University for Science and Technologies, Yujiashan is the highest peak standing 149.5 above the sea level in the Wuhan area. The quiet forest on the hill is good place for birding. You have chances to see Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Common Pheasant, Scaly Thrush, Crested Honey-buzzard, Crested Goshawk, Japanese Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Amur Falcon, Eurasian Hobby, Speckled Piculet, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Bay Woodpecker, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Yellow-bellied Tit, Light-vented Bulbul, Mountain Bulbul, Masked Laughingthrush, Blue-winged Minla, Chestnut-flanked White-eye, Red-billed Starling, Siberian Thrush, Scaly Thrush, Grey-backed Thrush, Japanese Thrush, Eyebrowed Thrush, Orange-flanked Bluetail, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Mugimaki Flycatcher, Blue-and-white Flycatcher, Chinese Grosbeak, Tristram's Bunting, etc.
Maanshan Forest Park
Located in the east of Wuhan, Maanshan Forest Park consists of forest, ponds, farmlands and tree nurseries. More than 80% of the park is covered by trees that serve as habitats for birds. Here you have chance to see Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Crested Honey-buzzard, Japanese Sparrowhawk, Eastern Buzzard, Eurasian Hobby, Speckled Piculet, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Bay Woodpecker, Brown Shrike, Black Drongo, Eurasian Jay, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Yellow-bellied Tit, Collared Finchbill, Mountain Bulbul, Silver-throated Bushtit, Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, Pallas's Leaf Warbler, Plain Prinia, Masked Laughingthrush, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Red-billed Starling, Grey-backed Thrush, Japanese Thrush, Grey-winged Blackbird, Dusky Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Yellow-rumped Flycatcher, Chinese Grosbeak, Eurasian Siskin, Yellow-throated Bunting, etc.
Last one: Birding in Nanjing City
Next one: Birding in Changsha City
