Forest rangers inspect and protect tràm chim in Quang Thai

Accompanying the fishermen in the boat, who both make a living on the O Lau River and are the ambassadors to safeguard this Tràm Chim against bird trapping over years, I could feel the hugely valuable space of conservation right in the north of the province, but thought as if in the Western river region.

“Good earth for birds to land”

After many appointments, taking advantage of the dry day, we went with Mr. Ho Quoc's boat (Lai Ha Village, Quang Thai Commune) across from the creek straight to the O Lau River to explore tràm chim. The boat rattled, moved through the whirlpools coming from upstream. At times, flocks of birds from the groves inside the fresh water mangrove forest rushed up to many people’s surprise.

“Mallards. Not over yet, if moving a little farther, you will see many other species.  How enjoyable! " Quoc said with a familiar voice.

The boat kept running around each dike, the tanned man, over 45, introduced the places in turn according to local names such as Thot Dune, Tho Ham Dune, Huyen Dune... and the species of birds living there.

So knowledgeable because not only is he a native conversant with each water area, but he is also hired by the authorities and the agricultural sector to plant a large area of fresh water ​​mangrove forest for nature conservation and bird sanctuary restoration. After a few years, the mangrove forest system developed quickly, well and becomes a "good land for birds to land".

Although called tràm chim, actually this zone with an area of ​​more than 150 hectares stretching along the O Lau River in two districts of Quang Dien and Phong Dien is located in the core area under strict protection of the Tam Giang - Cau Hai Nature Wetland Reserve. According to the statistics, in this zone, there are 72 species of birds, including some rare and valuable species of birds such as white-browed warblers, bee-eating kites, Japanese caterpillars, white kites, moon-headed kites...

Quoc said that in early October, when water level rises, it is also the time when the flocks of birds fly back to live. “We, the natives, also enjoy them, let alone visitors from afar. Flocks of birds fly out from the woods, and then search for food.There are many species I don't know their names, but they are strikingly beautiful," said Quoc.

Before he finished his words, from the grove, a hawk with a large body, about 5kg, flapped his wings and flew up from the wood, his majestic figure startled everyone in admiration.

Joining hands to keep forests, protect birds

In recent years, the ecosystem has developed strongly; the food source has also been abundant, so it is convenient for birds to live. The environment of tràm chim and the buffer zones is improving bit by bit. Additionally, the people’s awareness of conservation has increased, so the number of people who catch birds is not as large as before

Also according to Mr. Sang, with the well-developing system of fresh water mangrove forest in recent years, many precious bird species will fly in to seek shelter in the future.Therefore, hopefully, everyone joins hands and raise awareness of protecting the life of birds; it is also a way to protect the environment and ecology for humans. He also hopes that this will be an appealing tourist destination, a place for sightseeing and exploring interesting nature.

Mr. Truong Xang, Deputy Head of Quang Dien Forest Protection Division, said that tràm chim in Quang Thai Commune is an area with beautiful landscapes, high biodiversity and is one of the stopovers for seasonal migratory birds. Over the past two decades, the government has coordinated with many agencies and institutes to carry out scientific research projects with the trend of both conservation and development.

Story and photo: Nhat Minh