As the ecological environment of the Yangtze River continues to improve, the riverside area of Zhangjiagang has welcomed a group of special guests — nearly 50 yellow-breasted buntings. This marks the largest single observation of this species in the area in recent years.
A yellow-breasted bunting. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]
The yellow-breasted bunting once experienced a sharp decline in its global population. In 2021, it was classified as a nationally protected first-class wild animal in China.
Wang Yongxiang, a local birdwatching enthusiast, said: "I have been birdwatching here for years. In the past, I could only spot a few individuals occasionally. This is the first time I've seen nearly 50 of them gathering together like this."
The birds are mostly spotted foraging for grass seeds and insects between wheat fields and shrublands. Their striking gold feathers make them highly recognizable.
"The mudflats have turned green, and the water quality has improved. More and more rare birds stop here every year. This is the best gift the city can offer to wild birds," he said.
To date, over 340 species of birds have been recorded in Zhangjiagang, accounting for more than 80 percent of all bird species in Suzhou and over 70 percent of those in Jiangsu province.