Bird watching trip on the lake | Go deep into nature

Birdwatching and Nature in Dali

Dali is a romantic land with wind, flowers, snow and moon, but the charm of Dali is far more than that. Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake are the iconic landscapes of Dali, and their rich biodiversity deeply attracted me.

There is always a way, a perspective, for us to meet, encounter, and connect with nature. Whether it is by the river or on the trail, observing the outdoors is our learning process.

Dali has a pleasant climate all year round, with no scorching heat in summer and no severe cold in winter. Strolling through the ancient town in winter, basking in the warm sun and admiring cherry blossoms is like walking in early spring.

Observe with your eyes and heart, feel the connection between all things in nature, feel the interweaving of our thoughts and the natural world, and let these experiences come alive on paper or be engraved in your heart. Standing on a high place, gaze at the clouds drifting leisurely, turning into countless shapes and stories.

In winter, migratory birds open the door to perceive the universe, integrate the signals of the sun, stars and the earth, and fly from the north to the south like a surging tide. Walking in Erhai Lake, you will see flocks of black-headed gulls and brown-headed gulls - some floating calmly on the water, and some flying gracefully in the sky.

Bird watching “at the seaside” provides us with brief but real moments – a small animal vividly existing before your eyes, even if only for a brief second, celebrating life.

Along the lakeshore, whether hiking or biking, you will always find something to touch your heart! The Longkan Pier and the famous S-bend are great picturesque spots - any photo you take will be stunning.

After appreciating the beauty of Erhai Lake, we set out to explore the majesty of Cangshan Mountain.

Exploring and adapting to unfamiliar environments helps children rebuild their thinking patterns. As they grow older, they will not be afraid of change or unfamiliar environments.

Cangshan itself is a natural ink painting, a masterpiece of beauty and a treasure trove of flora and fauna. Along the Jade Belt Road, you might come across a silver pheasant with its long tail feathers, or, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of a "Cangshan Mascot" — Cute red pandas. Starlings may fly overhead, black-capped tits may sing on tree branches, blood pheasants may forage in groups, and playful pikas may run across the rocky terrain.

Follow the stream down the mountain, and the flowers blooming along the way seem to greet you! Even in winter, the primroses smile brightly and eagerly welcome you.

Join us, get close to nature, understand nature, and protect nature. Let nature become a part of our lives and start a lifelong journey with the natural world.

A record of bird watching in West Lake:

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About the team leader:

Wang Bin:
A naturalist, environmental educator, wildlife photographer, and bird communicator, he is a humble expert in the taxonomy of mammal and bird species and author of Animal World The photos are taken by the official account, which interprets species behaviors and ecological secrets through images. It is committed to integrating nature into people's lives and changing our view of the natural world.

• Personal studio: Maipu Natural

Morning and evening:

• Certified Environmental Educator
• Cangshan Nature Observation Team Leader
• Over ten years of outdoor guiding experience.
  In 2016, he moved from Beijing to Dali and devoted himself to local nature observation and environmental protection. He is familiar with the hiking routes, wildlife in Cangshan Mountain and other natural routes in northwest Yunnan, southeast Tibet and western Sichuan.
• Personal studio: Morning Flowers and Evening Plucks

Apple:
She was previously responsible for volunteer recruitment at Cangshan Nature Center and provided tour guide services at Cangshan Natural Image Museum. Apple is familiar with the hiking routes of Cangshan Mountain and the forests and water birds around Erhai Lake. She has led many nature observation camps and participated in exploring and recording the knowledge of Eighteen Creeks. She is full of love and responsibility for children, and is known for her humor, cheerful personality and talkative character.

What is Bird Watching?

Bird watching is a recreational activity that involves observing wild birds in their natural habitats, usually using observation equipment. It involves identifying species and recording their appearance, abundance, feeding habits, diet, reproductive behavior, migration patterns, and habitats.

Why is Dali an ideal place for bird watching?

Dali is located in the southern part of the Hengduan Mountains. It has a significant difference in altitude and abundant water resources, making it an ideal habitat for birds.

As the crossroads of two global migration routes - Central Asia - South Asia and East Asia-Australia Flyway — Dali welcomes a variety of birds at different times of the year (from late September to early spring). Dali is both a stopover and a wintering place for these migratory birds.

In particular, the wetlands around Erhai Lake provide sufficient food resources for a variety of water birds and semi-water birds, such as red-headed gulls, brown-headed gulls, moorhens, ducks, etc. It is one of the most famous wintering grounds for water birds in China.

Bird Watching Guide:

1. Observe, listen and communicate quietly. Use binoculars effectively and gradually improve your observation skills.
2. Wear clothing that matches your natural surroundings and avoid overly bright colors.
3. Avoid close contact with birds unless necessary. Move slowly when approaching birds to avoid disturbing them.
4. Do not interfere with any of the bird's natural behaviors.

What you get:

• Observation skills
• Collaboration skills
• Aesthetic Appreciation
• Presentation skills
• Quick response

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Activity process:

1. Meeting place: Surakarta
2. Share bird watching tips and equipment usage along the way.
3. Arrive at West Lake for bird watching (including nature observation activities).
4. Review and distribute bird watching materials.

About the activity time:

Our itinerary will be adjusted according to seasonal changes. Please add us on WeChat for details.

Some records of bird watching in West Lake: