[Based on speech I gave to audience inc leaders, at Beidaihe in May 2009]
I first visited Beidaihe in spring 1985, as leader of an 8-member expedition studying bird migration. At the time, Beidaihe was almost unknown as a place for birdwatching: we were mainly relying on information from a Danish scientist, Axel Hemmingsen, who had studied birds at the town from 1942-1945.
The spring expedition was very successful; our results included 652 Siberian Cranes – more than 40 percent of the world population known at the time. We sent the results to organisations including the International Crane Foundation; the foundation director, Dr George Archibald, had encouraged the study, and he now encouraged me to work on a long-term project at Beidaihe.
I returned as leader of a follow up study, this time of autumn migration, in 1986. Again, this proved a great success: our records included 2729 Oriental White Storks migrating south: this was more than double the previous estimate for the entire world population (900-1000), clearly showing the importance of Beidaihe for studying migratory birds.
I continued returning to Beidaihe, leading more migration studies, also leading bird tour groups, and sometimes coming on holiday. As well as watching birds at Beidaihe, we also visited other places in the area.
In all, I have spent around two years at Beidaihe, during 12 or more visits. I have been fortunate and privileged to have seen many birds, and enjoyed thrilling birdwatching experiences; as well as to have helped discover “new” places for birds, such as the Luanhe delta, Qilihai, Happy Island, and Old Peak. Also, I have made friends at Beidaihe.
Beidaihe has become like a second home to me. I know the town well, there are people who welcome me; and I feel comfortable here partly as my home town – Scarborough, England – is also a seaside resort town, where I grew up watching migratory birds.
Beidaihe Can Create the World’s Most Exciting Migratory Birds Reserve
But, why have I kept returning? The main reason is that I believe Beidaihe can be a great place for conservation. There are many birds; plus there are many people – both residents and visitors, who can be given opportunities to enjoy seeing and learn about wild, migratory birds.
Just back from Beidaihe (east China) - for bird race commemorating 20th anniversary of team including me pitching up for first survey since 1940s. Was in China 10-16 May; as well as Beidaihe, also made it to Happy Island.
