A black-naped monarch is spotted at Yunhe Wooden Toy Park in Lishui. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Bird photographer Zhu Weiwen captured the black-naped monarch at Yunhe Wooden Toy Park on April 20, marking the bird's first recorded appearance in Lishui.

The black-naped monarch, a nationally protected species, is known for its vivid blue plumage and agile movements. Zhu spotted the bird after a bout of rain, noting that such weather often draws birds out. "It was a surprise find. The male's striking blue body and the distinctive black patch on its nape made it easy to identify," Zhu said.

Yunhe Wooden Toy Park, located in the city center, boasts dense forest coverage and a well-preserved ecological environment, offering ideal conditions for wildlife.

Native to lowland forests and bamboo groves below 1,000 meters in elevation, the bird feeds mainly on insects and rarely descends to the ground. Its lively nature and clear song make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Thanks to the park's ongoing ecological restoration efforts and public awareness campaigns, more protected bird species — such as the Cabot's tragopan, silver pheasant, and chestnut-flanked white-eye — have been observed in recent years, reflecting the region's improving biodiversity.