Twice each year, roughly more than 2,000 migratory‑bird species fly across vast oceans. They undertake long‑distance journeys from their breeding habitats in the Northern Hemisphere to spend winter in the Southern Hemisphere, forming spectacular migratory flyways. Across the northern and southern hemispheres lie nine major global migratory‑bird flyways.
- East Atlantic Flyway
- West Asian‑East African Flyway
- Black Sea / Mediterranean Flyway
- East Asian‑Australasian Flyway
- West Pacific Flyway
- Mississippi Flyway
- Atlantic Flyway (Americas)
- Central Asian Flyway
Among them, the East Asian‑Australasian Flyway runs through 22 countries. It stretches north from Alaska of the United States and Siberia of Russia, extends southeastward, and reaches Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand in the south. It also covers 19 national bird nature reserves across China from south to north.
Only a handful of bird species are capable of non‑stop flight all the way to their habitats. For instance, the Bar‑tailed Godwit can fly 10,000 kilometres without pause. Most migratory birds need temporary stopover habitats for rest. Tidal mudflats are among their vital choices. These sites benefit not only migratory birds but also local waterbirds and human communities, which rely on their abundant aquatic resources.
Nevertheless, most natural habitats suffer from excessive pollution. Migratory birds are gradually losing the natural environments they depend on for survival and are facing the threat of extinction.
World Migratory Bird Day is observed twice annually, in May and October respectively, with a distinct theme each year. It calls on humanity to conserve nature and offer better living spaces for these neighbours of nature. The theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2021 is: “Sing, Fly, Soar‑Like a Bird!”
Go here to listen to birdsong: https://www.migratorybirdday.org/featured‑species/
We marvel at migratory birds, conquerors of nature. They travel across the Earth’s hemispheres, flying over ten thousand kilometres in search of livable environments. Their migratory feats are breathtaking, and humanity admires their strength and courage. Birds can be found everywhere: in cities, villages, parks, forests, wetlands and coastlines. Birds connect human beings to nature. As we hear their songs and watch them soar, we ought to pay attention to their survival crisis.
Migratory birds survive by migration. Yet as the environment deteriorates, what form of “migration” can sustain them? To avoid perishing amid withered vegetation and parched land, what kind of “migration” will allow migratory birds to remain alongside humankind?
Non‑profit organisations for migratory‑bird conservation exist across countries and regions worldwide. Take action now, if you wish. https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/
Floral Materials Introduction Peony — the Flower Deity of May: immaculate white with delicate mild fragrance; a beauty that seems to belong only to heaven, incomparably exquisite.
Cream Cup Rose: chosen purely for its beauty, to keep company with the flower deity.
Spiraea cantoniensis (Reeve’s Spiraea): long branches covered with tiny delicate white blossoms, swaying in wind just like birds’ wings.
Red Hot Poker (Flamingo Flower): bearing soft fluffy texture reminiscent of bird plumage.
Delphinium ajacis (Larkspur): gossamer‑thin petals, light and nimble just like swallows in flight.
Birds soar high in the sky, noble and free. For flowers to accompany them, I imagine they should be pure‑white, sacred and free.
Building shelters with recyclable materials found in nature Migrating along with climatic changes Needing only simple stopover sites along the journey
Botanical Materials: Deadwood, Cane, Small Golden Ball
