Zhangjiagang has reached the peak of the southbound bird migration season, marked by the recent sighting of the Eurasian whimbrel in the wetlands of the Yangtze River West Channel. For local birdwatchers, encountering this familiar and cherished visitor is a much-anticipated moment.

"The Eurasian whimbrel is easy to recognize — medium-to-large in size, with a long, downward-curving bill, streaked crown, and darker plumage," said Qian Feng, a birding enthusiast who captured his first photo of the species this year. The curlew is part of the early migration wave that includes the wood sandpiper, spotted redshank, and common greenshank, all first spotted in early July.

Eurasian whimbrels are spotted recently in the Yangtze River West Channel wetlands, Zhangjiagang. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]

The wetlands of the Yangtze River West Channel, with their plentiful tidal flats and nearby farmland, serve as a perfect stopover for migratory birds. They rest, forage, and recharge here before heading to their winter habitats. Some species, such as the spotted redshank and common greenshank, might opt to remain during the winter, turning the wetland into their seasonal residence.

Positioned along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, a key global bird migration route, the Yangtze River West Channel is rich in biodiversity. In recent years, Zhangjiagang has increased its conservation efforts — focusing on protecting core wetlands, creating habitats, establishing ecological corridors, and increasing public awareness.

These efforts have proven successful. Monitoring data shows that the bird species count increased from 213 in 2021 to 341 in 2025 — accounting for over 82 percent of all bird species in Suzhou.

Looking ahead, Zhangjiagang will continue to prioritize ecological restoration and conservation in the Yangtze River Basin. Through advancing key environmental projects, the city aims to turn its wetlands into a safer habitat for migratory birds and serve as a model for balanced coexistence between humans and nature.