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Birds rest at a beach in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo/jiaxingren.com]

Jiulong Mountain in Pinghu, a county-level city of Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, was recently recognized as a Zhejiang provincial bird watching destination for its exceptional natural setting and abundant avian resources.

Situated at the juncture of Hangzhou Bay and the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou Plain, Jiulong Mountain serves as a crucial migratory route along the coastline for many species of predatory birds, also known as raptors. Its windward slopes generate strong updrafts during the day, aiding the raptors in crossing Hangzhou Bay. With over 75 percent forest coverage, it offers vital roosting sites and food sources, making it Zhejiang's largest raptor migration hub.

Recent surveys have documented 200 bird species from 17 orders and 54 families, including 33 nationally protected and 26 provincially protected species.

Local residents such as Zhang Jie, a biology teacher, have witnessed the burgeoning bird population. Zhang's encounters with rare species like the savanna nightjar, previously unseen in Zhejiang, highlight the area's growing significance for bird enthusiasts.

Jiaxing's intensified biodiversity conservation efforts have played a pivotal role in attracting diverse avian species. The city now is home to over 3,500 species, including nationally protected animals.