Right now, it is the large-scale migration season of wintering migratory birds. Every year, tens of millions of migratory birds migrate across mountains and seas on the "East Asia-Australasia" migratory bird migration corridor. Momoge National Nature Reserve, located in Lai County, Baicheng Town, Jilin Province, is one of the important "stations" on this international migration corridor. Currently, the Momoge reeds are gilded with gold and the water is clear. The last batch of migratory birds are here to replenish their energy and get ready to migrate south.
Headquarters reporter Yao Yue introduced that in the Momoge National Nature Reserve in Zhenlai, Jilin, traces of the activity of the white crane, a national first-level protected wild animal, can be seen everywhere. The staggered paw prints on the ground are traces left by the activities of cranes such as white cranes and gray cranes. Next to them are the naturally shed feathers of migratory birds. These details also confirm that a large number of cranes have been active here recently.
The water surface gradually freezes and migratory birds migrating southward begin their journey one after another
In the past few days, reserve staff have observed large-scale "bird waves" many times. Tens of thousands of wild geese take off in clusters, turn synchronously, and take off and land in an orderly manner, like flowing clouds. The scene is spectacular. In the migration sequence of migratory birds, geese and cranes are the last and main echelon of the southward migration team. Their large-scale gathering and takeoff also marks that this year's migratory bird migration has entered the final stage.
Why do migratory birds fly south at this time? The rhizomes of the water chestnut are the main food source for migratory birds such as the Siberian Crane. During this period, the temperature in the Northeast dropped rapidly, and the ponds now have a stable ice layer about 10 centimeters thick. Therefore, the water environment and natural food sources for migratory birds such as the Siberian Crane, which rely on shallow wetlands, are gradually becoming scarce. Then, it is time for migratory birds to fly south.
Before flying south, how did Baihe start a "flight marathon"?
From Momoge in Jilin to the wintering ground of Poyang Lake in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the one-way migration distance of the white cranes is nearly 3,000 kilometers. It can be said to be a high-altitude "flying marathon."
Siberian cranes on the eve of their migration south will enter a high-intensity energy storage mode. In normal times, Siberian Cranes only forage in the morning and evening. However, during the countdown period for migration, they will continue to forage throughout the day and ingest large quantities of sedge rhizomes. The high starch content of sedge rhizomes can help the Siberian Cranes quickly accumulate fat and replenish the energy required for long-distance flights, "post-autumn fat". Some young birds are not yet good at finding food on the thinly icy water surface, and adult cranes will also teach young birds how to forage.
In addition to "posting autumn fat", Baihe will also conduct "takeoff rehearsals" and "formation drills" before taking off. Simply put, after they complete their energy storage work, they will wait for the appropriate wind direction and updraft. During this time, migratory birds will flap their wings from time to time to warm up, and at the same time, they will hover at low altitude to feel the wind direction and speed. Through repeated test flights and formation drills, we can find a suitable rhythm and adjust the state for the subsequent long-distance migration.
When a suitable updraft appears, a leading crane will take the lead in taking off. The initial height may be hovering at a dozen meters. By repeatedly and continuously circling and taking off, the height will reach about a few hundred meters. The rest of the crane group will also join in batches until a stable migration formation is finally formed. During the process of migrating south, the cranes will form many small groups to fly together and protect each other until they complete this long and arduous journey south.
The last echelon of migratory birds flying south prepares to depart
In the core area of Momoge Wetland, the last batch of migratory birds have basically completed their energy storage work and are ready to go. Throughout the autumn, more than 350,000 migratory birds stopped in this year's Momoge Wetland. Rare migratory birds such as white cranes, gray cranes, white spoonbills, and Oriental white storks gathered here. From here, they fly across North China, cross the Yangtze River, and finally arrive at their warm southern home for the winter.
Full chain management and protection model
Protecting the migration of migratory birds
During migration, birds are easily left alone and stranded due to accidental injuries, infectious diseases, or physical exhaustion. To this end, rescuers will rescue and help these lone migratory birds return to the migratory team through a full-chain management model of professional diagnosis and treatment, zoned maintenance, rewilding training, and tracking and monitoring. During this period, the Jilin Provincial Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Center took in lone migratory birds.
This injured white spoonbill was recently admitted to the Jilin Provincial Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Center. When it was migrating through Changchun, it accidentally bumped into a branch, causing damage to its wings and flight feathers. It was unable to fly normally and was forced to break away from the migratory population and stranded in the local area. After being discovered by patrol personnel in the jurisdiction, he was transferred here to receive professional treatment.
Wang Haijun, deputy director of the Jilin Provincial Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Center: When it arrived, it was very weak. His blood routine and biochemistry were tested, and DR (digital radiography) was also taken, and there was no fracture. The primary flight feathers on the right wing were bleeding and the primary flight feathers were missing.
The staff performed anti-inflammatory treatment, disinfection care and physical recovery conditioning on it, and continuously monitored the growth status of its flight feathers. After its wings are completely repaired and its physical fitness index reaches standard, it will undergo standardized training in the wild and be released into the wild after passing the evaluation.
It is understood that during the migration season, such rescue missions increase significantly. At present, the Jilin Provincial Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Center manages and protects more than 70 species and more than 1,000 wild animals all year round, covering red-crowned cranes, white spoonbills, oriental white storks and other national first- and second-level protected species. When their vital signs stabilize, they will be transferred to the exclusive wild training area. The staff will also develop tailor-made rewilding rehabilitation plans based on the habitat habits, flight characteristics, and foraging abilities of different birds.
The two injured red crossbills were successfully released into the wild on the 10th after completing rehabilitation and rewilding training. Before the release, staff will also wear satellite positioning trackers, metal rings and colored marking rings on individual birds under special protection to achieve continuous tracking and monitoring after release.
