Encountering the Asian Openbill at Qionghai Lake

Recently, while enjoying the cool summer at the edge of Qionghai Lake in Xichang, I spotted a group of nationally protected animals, the Asian Openbill, in the wetlands near Walnut Village on the southern side of Qionghai Lake. The Asian Openbill belongs to the stork family. It is a large bird, with a body length of 80 centimeters and a wingspan of over 80 centimeters. Its plumage ranges from white to gray, with winter feathers being smoky gray. The flight feathers and tail feathers are black. The lower mandible has a depression, and there is a noticeable gap when the beak is closed. The iris is white to brown; the exposed skin on the face is gray-black; the beak is a pale greenish horn color or red; and the legs are pink. It primarily feeds on mollusks such as snails in marshes and coastal mudflats. They forage freely in the green mudflat wetlands, rest on branches by the lake, and share the increasingly better natural environment with us humans. After years of development, Qionghai National Wetland Park boasts numerous ecological environments and tourist attractions. The convenient and fast bus service around the lake makes it a perfect place to enjoy the coolness in summer and the sunshine in winter. In addition to the Asian Openbill, the photos also feature a few images of pond herons strolling in the lotus pond for your enjoyment and leisure.