A unique artificial bird garden on the banks of the East River.

Video : Unique artificial bird garden on the banks of the East River

Earlier, in early 2024, the Party Committee and government in Ha Tinh began to conceive and implement steps to build an artificial bird sanctuary to conserve wild bird species. At the same time, it is hoped that this will contribute to the exploitation and development of potential for ecotourism , experiential tourism, and environmental protection.

Artificial islands are places where migratory birds come to roost.

After reviewing and surveying many locations in the area, it was found that the Dong River area has a vast, pristine area with a diverse and fascinating riverine, swamp, and vegetation ecosystem, along with abundant natural food sources... Therefore, local leaders decided to choose this area to implement the artificial bird sanctuary project.

Previously, in the Don River area, during the annual rainy and stormy seasons, many species of wild birds such as egrets, herons, bitterns, and storks migrated to seek refuge. However, due to unsuitable natural conditions, these birds later flew away.

After selecting the location, local leaders invited Mr. Le Danh Cuong (from Ca Mau province), who has many years of experience in building bird sanctuaries and is an "expert" in attracting wild birds, to assist with consultation and construction.

Because the Dong River area lacks natural forests and broad-canopied trees, the first step is to create a suitable environment by planting trees such as Ficus microcarpa, coconut palms, bamboo, water lilies, Melaleuca alternifolia, and other native species to create artificial islands and areas to attract migratory birds.

Wild birds take shelter in the groves of trees along the Don River.

From mid-2024, the idea was officially implemented. With the determination of the local authorities and the active support of Mr. Cuong, along with the positive response from the people and organizations, businesses, and individuals who contributed labor, seedlings, and equipment, tens of thousands of trees of various types were planted, completing the landscape, lake, bird island... creating a habitat for flocks of wild birds.

The ecological environment along the banks of the Dong River attracts migratory birds to roost there.

After many efforts, a wildlife sanctuary has now been established on the banks of the Dong River, where birds have adapted to their new habitat. Hundreds of migratory birds such as egrets, herons, bitterns, ducks, and storks have settled here. In addition, several other species such as lion pigeons, water pheasants, and wild ducks are also raised and released to promote biodiversity.

Wild birds take refuge in the groves and artificial lakes on the Dong River.

The migratory birds not only settle in the artificial bird sanctuary but also enrich the natural life of the area, opening up prospects for a sustainable and thriving bird population in the future. At the same time, it promotes the exploitation and development of ecotourism potential, nature conservation, and environmental education in the locality.

Various kinds of wild birds return to the bird sanctuary on the East River.

According to Mr. Hoang Van Nam (53 years old, the caretaker of the bird sanctuary), the Dong River area used to be a wild, undeveloped land, but now it has become a safe haven for many species of wild birds. Every morning, hearing the chirping of birds and seeing them flying freely among the green trees, he and many other residents are increasingly convinced that creating an artificial bird sanctuary is very reasonable.

Mr. Hoang Van Nam is in charge of the artificial bird garden.

"We continue to maintain and care for the trees, clean up the environment, and preserve the tranquil landscape so that wild birds can roost and live there for the long term. Hopefully, in the future, this bird sanctuary will become an interesting destination for nature-loving tourists who want to experience ecotourism in Ha Tinh," Mr. Hoang Van Nam shared.

Wild birds are adapting well to the ecological environment along the banks of the Dong River.

According to some residents in Thanh Sen ward, although only recently constructed, the artificial bird sanctuary along the Dong River has truly become a common home for many species of migratory birds. In the future, as the greenery continues to grow lush and abundant, this area will certainly attract an increasing number of migratory birds to roost and live there.

This also serves as a foundation for building a fascinating and attractive biodiversity conservation ecosystem; an ideal tourist destination for locals and visitors alike.