Explore Outdoors to See Winter Birds

Terry Townshend, conservation expert, the United Kingdom

During the last Spring Festival holiday, I went hiking in the mountains around Beijing. With travel restricted due to the pandemic, it was a good opportunity to spend more time in the capital and, in particular, the outdoors. Winter is a good time to see birdlife as there are no leaves on the trees and many species around — such as cranes, geese and buntings, all who come to Beijing to escape the Siberian winter.

As travel is not a good idea again this year, I plan to do the same as last year and explore some of the outdoor areas around Beijing, in particular in Mentougou District. I love to take a winter picnic including a flask of hot soup, some bread and tea/coffee with me. In winter, it is possible to see vultures in the western mountains. These magnificent birds have a wingspan of around three meters and spend the winter in Beijing, migrating from breeding grounds in Mongolia and western China.

My New Year’s Resolution is to improve my Chinese language skills!

I have some friends that will be volunteering at the Winter Olympics and they will be very close to the action. I am simply looking forward to watching the events on TV, in particular the slalom skiing and the bobsleigh. I am hopeful that Team GB will win a medal or two!