Raptor Watching at Dutongyan: Capturing Nature’s Symphony
As a vital node for global avian migration, Chengdu serves as a primary hub for two of China’s four major migratory routes. The Longmen Mountains act as the principal ‘aerial highway’ for migratory raptors passing through the region during both seasons. These birds travel from as far as the Russian Far East, the Mongolian Plateau, and southern Siberia, traversing thousands—at times exceeding ten thousand—kilometres along the Longmen and Longquan ranges to transit through or overwinter in Chengdu.
On 7 October, led by Sardine (Head of the Longmen Mountains Migratory Raptor Monitoring and Protection Project), we shall travel to Dutongyan in Chongzhou—a critical monitoring site—to observe these birds of prey. This location offers an unparalleled vantage point overlooking the ‘River of Hawks’. Whilst the conclusion of the National Day holiday provides an ideal window for raptor watching, it is also a period when illegal poaching can be most prevalent (Note: Raptors are under key national protection in China). During our observation, we will also learn how conservation initiatives are driving improvements in anti-poaching efforts.
‘Bird Wave’ Music Box Workshop
A ‘bird wave’ is a dynamic natural spectacle of circling flocks and beating wings, whilst a music box serves as a delicate vessel for sound. Participants will collect the ‘sounds of nature’ from the ‘River of Hawks’ and the surrounding woodlands to compose a unique ‘musical score’. By perforating paper strips to freeze these moments in time and placing them into the music box mechanism, the turning of the handle will bring these natural rhythms to life.
