Birding in Changsha City
With a total population of 7 million people, Changsha is located in south-central China and has become the capital of Hunan Province since 1664. Sitting on the lower reaches of Xiang River, Changsha is actually surrounded by major rivers, including the Xiangjiang, the Laodaohe and the Liuyanghe. The terrain in Changsha is high in the west and low in the east. There are many mountainous areas in the west and in the north. The numerous lakes to the north of Changsha are important wintering place for the migratory birds.
Changsha enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1,330 millimeters average annual precipitation. The four seasons are distinct with long hot summers and comparatively short winter.
Some Important Birding Sites in Changsha
Changsha Cemetery for the Revolutionary Martyrs
Covering 153.3 hectares, Changsha Cemetery for the Revolutionary Martyrs is located by the side of Liuyanghe River in the northwestern part of the city and the largest park in Changsha. The lush woods and huge artificial lake inside the park provide good habitats for birds. By the side of the lake, you have a good chance to see Black-crowned Night Heron, Chinese Pond Heron and Little Grebe. Inside the park, you also have good opportunities to see some forest birds such as Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Japanese Thrush, Huamei, Great Tit, Speckled Piculet, Azure-winged Magpie, Pallas's Leaf Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Japanese Thrush, Grey-backed Thrush, Taiga Flycatcher, Mugimaki Flycatcher, Blue-and-white Flycatcher, Chinese Grosbeak, etc.
Yuelushan Hill and Juzhizhou Island
Located by the side of Xiangjiang River, Yuelushan is a famous historic site where lots of Chinese Scholars came here and made lectures in history. Juzhizhou is a narrow island opposite to Yulushan Hill and became famous around China because of a poem by Chairman Mao. In the forest, we have opportunities to see Eurasian Jay, Dark-sided Fly-catcher, Oriental Turtle Dove, Red-billed Leiothrix, White-throated Laughingthrush, Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, Yellow-bellied Tit, Chestnut Bulbul, Mountain Bulbul, and Red-billed Starling. While by the side of the Juzhizhou Island, we may see Common Kingfisher, Great Egret, Little Grebe, Masked Laughingthrush, Chinese Grosbeak, etc.
Daze Lake
Located in Wangcheng County, Daze Lake is about 22km from Changsha City. Daze Lake is an excellent place for water birds including Cotton Pygmy Goose, Yellow Bittern, Chinese Pond Heron, Eastern Cattle Egret, Brown Crake, Grey-headed Lapwing, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Wood Sandpiper, Whiskered Tern, Pied Kingfisher, Speckled Piculet, Chinese Penduline Tit, Oriental Skylark, Rufous-faced Warbler, Oriental Reed Warbler, Black-collared Starling, Black-faced Bunting, etc.
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