Event
Conservation Tourism in Yeoncheon Imjin River Biosphere Reserve
The primary purpose of the trip was to promote conservation tourism in Yeoncheon, a region along the border with the DPRK. This area has been the focus of surveys for the past few years and has been found to be an internationally important habitat for a variety of migratory and resident birds, amphibians, and mammals – writes Birds Korea.
The trip started with sightseeing and enjoying the river area for wildlife. Within minutes, participants of the event noticed Hill Pigeons flying around, Scaly-sided Mergansers, and Red-crowned Cranes flying overhead. In fact, the area in Yeoncheon Imjin River is a rare a unique habitat for such species. Red-crowned Cranes, more Scaly-sided Mergansers, and White-naped and Red-crowned cranes were seen at the river. Cinereous Vultures, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eastern Buzzard, a White-tailed Eagle, and a wintering Golden Eagle also have been spotted.
The final stop for the 26th of November was a beautiful section of the Imjin River. This was a great habitat for different overwintering waterfowl, as well as the resident Long-billed Plover. The Ruddy Shelduck that flew in and began calling was the most beautiful bird watching entertainment, a sound I hadn’t heard since winter in Chungcheongbuk province. A Hen Harrier attempted to steal the attention of participants, as well as a Northern Goshawk catching a small bird.
The next morning started at Horogoru Fortress with a great view of a White-tailed Eagle resting on the riverbank, Scaly-sided Mergansers, Japanese Wagtails, Long-billed Plovers, and flocks of Tundra and Taiga Bean and Greater White-fronted Geese on the background of illumination of birds by a gorgeous sunrise. This particular spot of the river seemed to be excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife. The observation point was high enough to not disturb the wildlife, but still close enough to give clear views. After that sightseeing was a mid-day stroll through a trail on nearby Godae Mountain, where participants noticed Tiger Shrike, which was likely the latest documented sighting of a Tiger Shrike in Korea, a species that regularly breeds in the summertime. All the experts exchanged ideas and thoughts about the trip and conservation as Yeoncheon Imjin River Biosphere Reserve is an highly important area to protect.