Dalian nature reserve becomes a safe stopover for migrating raptors

As autumn arrives, the Snake Island-Laotieshan National Nature Reserve in Dalian, Liaoning province, has seen a large influx of migrating raptors. This area is globally renowned as a key stopover and gathering point for raptor migration, with hundreds of thousands of raptors passing through here each year.

As a crucial hub in the East Asia-Australasia Flyway for migratory birds, in late August, species such as sparrowhawks and accipiters start passing through the reserve; in early September, species such as buzzards begin to appear; from mid-September to late October is the peak period for raptor migration, with various falcons and eagles arriving one after another.

On Sept 23, Laotieshan set a new record for Chinese mainland by recording over 11,000 raptors in a single day.