As an important transfer spot for raptors migrating southward, the coastal city of Zhanjiang has fostered an intense atmosphere of protecting and caring them. More and more injured raptors receive treatment in the city before being released to continue their migratory route.

A crested serpent eagle, a second-class State protected species, was fitted with a tracker and released back into the wild on Nov 3. It had been rescued by a coastguard after it became exhausted during its migration and was picked up in the Beibu Gulf.

According to a member of Zhanjiang Bird Caring Association, the crested serpent eagle is still in Zhanjiang based on the information sent back by its tracker. The bird is mainly roaming in the vicinity of the city's Forest Park.

A similar scene recurred in Zhanjiang on Dec 5, as multiple peregrine falcons were released back into the sky by staff members from the Zhanjiang Forestry Bureau. According to the bureau, the peregrine falcons were saved from an illegal transaction in early November. Several had been severely injured, so they were sent to the association for treatment and recovery.

In winter, a great number of raptors, of which some are native to China, others native to Siberia, will pass through Zhanjiang on their migration or spend the winter in the city. If the weather is fine, more than 200 raptors of over 15 species, including eagles, falcons, vultures and snipes, can be recorded in Zhanjiang within a single day.

The Bird Caring Association has frequently organized volunteers to go into the wild in recent years. It is not only to observe the birds, but also to ensure that they can make it through the winter safe and sound. In collaboration with the association, Zhanjiang Forestry Bureau not only will send injured raptors to its care, but is dedicated to raising the awareness of caring for the birds among local residents.