A Golden pheasant wanders near the observation site in Baiguotan village of Jianshi county, Hubei province. [Photo by Chen Zhengjun/For chinadaily.com.cn]
Residents of Baiguotan village in Jianshi county, Hubei province, are volunteering to protect the Golden pheasant, a bird with beautiful feathers and striking colors.
In deep mountains 1,200 meters above sea level, a variety of birds are national second-class protected wild animals. Among them, the Golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) — also known as the Chinese pheasant — is the most famous.
Two Golden pheasants wander near the observation site in Baiguotan village of Jianshi county, Hubei province. [Photo by Chen Zhengjun/For chinadaily.com.cn]
Like many mountain people, Mei Yansheng learned to hunt at a young age. But now he has become a bird protector. In 2009, with the guidance and support of some bird lovers, he set up a field observation site based on the habits of the pheasant.
Mei Yansheng walks to the observation site in Baiguotan village of Jianshi county, Hubei province. [Photo by Wu Fang/For chinadaily.com.cn]
In 2018, it became a county-level field observation site for the Golden pheasant, as well as a management site for the natural forest protection project.
Mei Yansheng sprinkles corn around the observation site in Baiguotan village of Jianshi county, Hubei province. [Photo by Wu Fang/For chinadaily.com.cn]
There are currently more than 150 Golden pheasants living around the site, attracting photographers and bird lovers from all over the country. This not only helps increase local incomes but also enhances people's awareness of the need to protect the birds.
