Jiangfengling National Forest Park
Located in the southwest of Hainan, Jiangfengling National Forest Park encompasses 1,600 hectares, protecting the most extensive and intact tropical rainforest in China. With a maximum altitude of 1,412 meters, the park features a diverse range of habitats, though our main focus will be on the Mingfenggu Valley section.
In this area, pheasants are particularly well represented. We will aim to see the rare Hainan Peacock-Pheasant, Hainan Partridge, Chinese Francolin, Red Junglefowl, and Silver Pheasant (notably the whiteheadi subspecies). These birds are primarily observed near hides.
Additionally, we hope to find the endemic Hainan Leaf Warbler, along with other regional specialties such as the Chinese Barbet, White-winged Magpie (endemic whiteheadi subspecies), Yellow-billed Nuthatch, Hainan Blue Flycatcher, Indochinese Green Magpie, and the rare Red-headed Trogon (hainanus subspecies). Other notable species include Bay Woodpecker (also hainanus subspecies), Green-billed Malkoha, Barred Cuckoo-dove, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Crested Serpent-eagle, and Collared Scops Owl (umbritalis subspecies).
In the lush forest understory, we will search for notable bird species like Brown Wood Owl, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Hartert's Leaf Warbler, Fork-tailed Sunbird, Large Scimitar Babbler, and Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler. With a stroke of luck, we may also hear the elusive Blue-rumped Pitta, though spotting this shy bird will require patience.
Haiwei Wetland Park
We will spend an afternoon exploring Haiwei Wetland Park, known for its abundance of waterfowl. Expect to view Lesser Whistling Ducks, Eastern Spot-billed Ducks, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Garganey, and Eurasian Teal. The dense reedbeds and shoreline provide habitat for Yellow Bittern, Chinese Pond Heron, and Pheasant-tailed Jacana.
As we observe the skies above, we will look for Eastern Marsh Harrier. Kingfishers are plentiful in this area, and we hope to see Common Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Black-capped Kingfisher, and White-throated Kingfisher.
The lush forest supports sought-after species such as Ratchet-tailed Treepie, Green-billed Malkoha, Red-flanked Bluetail, and Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, offering exciting opportunities for birdwatching.
Dongzhai Harbour Nature Reserve
Dongzhai Harbour Nature Reserve covers 2,500 hectares (6,200 acres) and includes a network of six rivers, protecting expansive areas of coastal scrub, mangrove forests, and the largest coastal mudflat in China. A diverse array of 159 bird species is known to occur within the reserve, including many overwintering migratory birds.
Highlights may include the shy Slaty-breasted Rail, Black-faced Spoonbill, Marsh Sandpiper, and rare shorebirds such as White-faced and Long-billed Plovers, as well as Greater Sand and Pacific Golden Plovers.
