People who delight in natural scenery and bird lovers should make it a point to visit the Mai Po Wetlands when in Hong Kong. These marshes situated in the northwestern areas of the New Territories host and provide food for a wide variety of migrating birds with more than 300 species inhabiting the area.
The Mai Po Wetlands which encompass the mudflats and marshes of Inner Deep Bay have been designated as a Ramsar Wetland under the esteemed Ramsar Convention since 1995. The entire area of the wetlands extend to approximately 1,500 hectares.
In recognition of its importance the Government of Hong Kong designated the Mai Po area as a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ as far back as 1976. To make sure that the region was taken care of properly, the responsibility of managing the site was entrusted in 1984 to the World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong; the Mai Po Nature Reserve as the area is correctly known is currently managed by the WWFHK.
Spanning an area of 380 hectares, the Mai Po Reserve offers bird watchers the greatest opportunities in the autumn and spring at which time the hundreds of bird varieties converge on the marshes; numerous kinds of these varieties of birds are regularly found in the Mai Po area. The migrant bird species feed on the shrimp, fish, and crabs found among the mangroves.
Various avian and other species may be seen throughout the year in the wetlands. Wildlife native to the area include butterflies, leopard cats, otters and other mammal varieties.
In the months of winter the marshes host an incredible 20,000 to 30,000 migrating birds, which include the rare Black-faced Spoonbill. In winter one is sure to see a vast multitude of waterbirds who congregate on the marshes, with shorebirds, cormorants and ducks taking centre stage. The diverse flora in the wetlands come alive in springtime, when the trees put forth new leaves and creatures like dragonflies and damselflies emerge. Migrant birds gorge themselves in preparation for their long journey.
Summer is the breeding season for resident bird species, and fascinating mating activities may be seen. Migrating shorebirds return in autumn as they head south to their accustomed wintering regions.
For the knowledgeable traveller seeking a Hong Kong island hotel an excellent choice would be the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. This fine Hong Kong family hotel always satisfies guests with well-appointed rooms and attentive service.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
Article from articlesbase.com
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