Introduction of Nature Area
The nature area includes three parts, QingXin Garden, Forest Whisper, and the Glowing pond. There’s about 40 kinds of bird species in the Nature Area, and this number is increasing every year.
What attracts birds to the Nature Area?
The purpose of setting up the Nature Area is that we want to create an environment with diverse ecosystems in the Nature Area. In doing so, the Nature Area becomes a welcoming place for more animals with different species to come visit or settle in. According to our observations and records, we found that each year there are more and more animals that visit or plants that grow in our Nature Area, which we didn’t have or see before. As our Nature Area is maturing, it will attract more species of birds to build nests here, stay for the winter, or even settle in.
1.QingXin Garden
We have an orchard in the Nature Area. Fruit trees are birds’ favorite. We also have many bird-friendly plants, such as small-leaved Mulberry and Autumn maple trees. In QingXin Garden, there are wooden paths that also attract birds to find food there.
Features of arboreal birds: Most arboreal birds like to eat fruit and worms from trees, so they don’t have long legs or beaks like waterbirds.
2.Forest Whisper
If you walk in the Forest Whisper, it feels like you’re walking in a forest because there are a lot of trees. Bushy trees attract birds to stay and build nests, for they provide a more private and safe environment for birds to settle in.
Features of raptors: Raptors' legs are a lot shorter and stronger depending on the prey they like.Some birds even have different feather patterns due to the way they fly.
3.Glowing Pond
There are ponds and wetlands in the Glowing Pond. We can see many aquatic plants there, like water lilies and cattails. They are very tall, which provide a perfect place for shy birds to hide. Also, in the ponds there are a lot of aquatic insects, which means the birds will always have food to eat. That’s why we often see waterbirds here, such as little egrets and waterthrushes. They come here to find food and clean themselves.
Features of waterbirds:The legs of waterbirds are longer, so they can move in wetland areas. They also need longer beaks, so they can catch fish or aquatic insects in the water.