Vinh Long: Elderly farmer dedicates 2.6 hectares of land for a flock of wild birds to live in.

Mr. Le Van Chia's nearly 2.6-hectare garden in Vinh Long has become a habitat for many species of wild birds, contributing to the protection of biodiversity.

Thanks to the saying "a good place attracts birds," the nearly 2.6-hectare garden of farmer Le Van Chia (80 years old, Tra Con commune, Vinh Long province) has gradually become a haven for many wild bird species over the past 20 years. For him, the flocks of birds have become close companions in his daily life. Day after day, he quietly protects and maintains the ecosystem of his garden, preserving a peaceful environment for the birds.

A connection with birds

According to Mr. Le Van Chia, his connection with flocks of wild birds began around 2006, when the first flock of several hundred herons flew in to roost in his family's garden, which was planted with longan, coconut, and mangosteen trees.

The garden, with its minimal use of fertilizers and pesticides and its natural vegetation, gradually became a familiar resting place for flocks of birds. By mid-2008, the number of birds had increased to thousands, filling every corner of the garden. Over time, not only herons but also many other species of egrets and wild birds flocked to the garden to nest, breed, and settle.

Injured birds and egrets are kept and cared for in Mr. Le Van Chia's garden (Tra Con commune, Vinh Long province). (Photo: Le Thuy Hang/VNA)

Although the birds reduced the yield of the longan orchard and damaged many trees, Mr. Chia still decided to keep the orchard as a habitat for the birds. Believing that "good land attracts birds," he strived to preserve the environment and create a peaceful space for the birds to live. To protect the birds from hunting, he and his wife even used their savings to build a wire mesh fence around the orchard.

Mr. Chia shared: “Initially, only a few hundred herons flew back to roost in the garden, and I liked them so much that I kept them. After a few years, the flock remained, flying out to forage during the day and returning in the evening. When I saw them build nests and have chicks, I cherished and became even more attached to this garden.”

Having a thorough understanding of the living habits of each species, Mr. Chia enthusiastically recounted the characteristics and habitats of the birds in his garden. Through his simple stories, everyone could feel the special love the old farmer had for the wild birds for nearly 20 years.

Mr. Chia said that recently, hundreds of snail-eating storks and many other bird species have come to reside in his family's garden. Every afternoon, the flock of snail-eating storks flies back, creating a lively scene in the peaceful countryside.

Mr. Le Van Chia (Tra Con commune, Vinh Long province) prepares food for the birds and egrets. (Photo: Le Thuy Hang/VNA)

Heartbroken when wild birds are shot down.

Mr. Le Van Chia said that his garden, which covers more than 2.6 hectares, has been frequently targeted by strangers who poach birds for many years. Recently, this situation has become even more complicated as the number of birds and egrets returning to the garden has increased. Every day, he walks throughout the garden to monitor their living conditions.

At night, the mere sound of birds chirping and commotion in the garden would send him jumping up to check, knowing someone might be stealing. He erected several makeshift huts in the garden and patrolled with a lamp to promptly prevent any theft.

When he discovers birds and egrets that have been seriously wounded by gunfire, he brings them into his house to care for them until they recover, then releases them back into the wild. Looking towards the trees where the flock of birds is residing, Mr. Chia confided, "I only hope this situation will end so that the birds and egrets can live in peace and safety."

Faced with the difficulties Mr. Le Van Chia faced in preserving the natural habitat for the birds, in 2023, specialized agencies advised the People's Committee of Vinh Long province to issue a plan to protect the bird sanctuary area; at the same time, they strengthened the placement of signs to raise awareness and prohibit the hunting of wild birds.

Mr. Le Van Chia (Tra Con commune, Vinh Long province) repairs his watchtower to use as a temporary shelter each night while observing the garden where birds and egrets roost. (Photo: Le Thuy Hang/VNA)

Recently, the People's Committee of Vinh Long province directed relevant agencies to survey and assess the garden in order to develop conservation solutions for the future.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Vinh Long province, surveys show that the number of birds in Mr. Le Van Chia's garden is quite large, with a peak of over 2,000 egrets recorded in 2018. Many other wild bird species such as white storks, snail storks, cormorants, etc., have also gradually gathered to reside there, forming the diverse bird population we see today.

Authorities have assessed the Hai Chìa bird sanctuary as an area of ​​significant natural resources and biodiversity that requires conservation efforts. This area is not only important for its ecological environment but also serves research, education , and future tourism development.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Nhieu, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tra Con commune, for nearly 20 years, Mr. Hai Chia has always devoted much effort to preserving the bird sanctuary. Even though he has to dedicate a large area of ​​his garden as a habitat for the birds, he is still willing to sacrifice economic benefits to conserve the sanctuary. The local authorities highly appreciate this meaningful work.

In the coming time, the local authorities will continue to cooperate with him to maintain and preserve the bird sanctuary; at the same time, they will propose that relevant departments and agencies provide support to protect biodiversity and raise community awareness in wildlife conservation and ecological environment preservation.

Deeply moved by the attention and protection given to the birds' habitat by the authorities, Mr. Le Van Chia shared: “For many years, I have always tried to preserve this place so that birds and egrets have a peaceful place to live. I only hope that I still have enough health to continue to accompany and protect the birds so that they can live peacefully, returning here every day to roost and breed.”

(VNA/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/vinh-long-lao-nong-danh-26ha-dat-cho-dan-chim-troi-cu-ngu-post1111774.vnp