Natural process

Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan province is seeking to balance ecological preservation inside the park and tourism around it, Xu Lin reports.

Between late May and early June annually, Luo Pingzhao visited the picturesque Jiuzhaigou National Park in Sichuan province to study bird-life with his binoculars. That is the best time to watch both migratory and resident birds there. The region has 27 species of birds under the country's first-and second-class protection programs.

Records show that it is probably the only place in China to watch the endangered migratory bird rufous-headed robin, known for its signature singing and quick movement.

Luo once observed the Sichuan wood owl, which is endemic to China, after spending three nights in Jiuzhaigou's forests.

"I held my breath when I heard the hooting, from far and near. When I turned around, I was so excited to see that the owl was there," recalls Luo, 36, from Chengdu, provincial capital of Sichuan. "Bird-watchers should consider animal welfare first when observing. You shouldn't disturb the birds too much in the wild."

Luo last visited the park in 2020.