Early winter mornings at Shenzhen Bay are now graced by the return of special guests, as thousands of cormorants have arrived as part of their annual migration. These birds, forming impressive flocks, soar and circle over the glistening waters, creating a dynamic natural spectacle against the morning glow and the city skyline.
Near Egret Slope in Shenzhen Bay Park, photography enthusiasts have been capturing stunning scenes of cormorants flying past skyscrapers and skimming the water's surface. To avoid disturbing the birds, photographers use long-distance lenses, documenting the harmonious coexistence of urban life and nature.
In the frames, cormorants are seen grooming on rocks or foraging in groups, their white wings contrasting beautifully with the blue sea and cityscape, a true portrayal of a city living in sync with nature.
This seasonal migration is not only a natural epic of life but also a strong testament to Shenzhen's improving ecological environment. As a vibrant "ecological oasis" in the heart of the metropolis, Shenzhen Bay Park has long been a key wintering and stopover site for migratory birds.
Continuous efforts in environmental protection have restored clear waters and blue skies, making the area not only more livable for residents but also a welcoming habitat for wildlife such as cormorants and egrets.
As one netizen aptly noted, "The cormorants' choice to return year after year is a vote of confidence, written with their wings, for Shenzhen's ecology." Local residents echo this, observing that cleaner air and water have made the bay a peaceful refuge for both people and birds.
To enhance public awareness and engagement in bird and wetland conservation, the Shenzhen Bird Watching Society, with support from the Beijing Entrepreneur Environmental Protection Foundation, has published the Shenzhen Bay Bird Watching Guide, which will be regularly updated for public reference.
Bird watching guide
Location: Shenzhen Bay Park, Nanshan District, near Binhaiqiaocheng east overpass (南山区滨海侨城东立交桥深圳湾公园)
Transport:
Metro: Exit D2, Shenzhen Bay Park Station
Driving: Parking reservation required via "深i公园" WeChat miniprogram or "mlszgzh美丽深圳" official account
Attire: Wear long sleeves and pants in colors close to nature; avoid bright-colored clothing
Equipment: Binoculars, bird guidebook recommended
Guidelines:
Keep quiet and maintain a distance.
Do not enter mudflat areas to avoid disturbing birds.
Refrain from feeding or luring birds.
Best time to visit:
Check tide forecasts from Shenzhen Meteorological Bureau.
Optimal during low tide (around 1 meter or below) when mudflats are exposed and bird activity is high.
Author | Jiang Chang
Photo | Shenzhen Special Zone Daily
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
