Daewangam Park coast identified as key migratory bird stopover

A recent birdwatching survey has confirmed that the coast of Daewangam Park in Ulsan and its adjacent waters serve as a vital migratory route for rare birds. Between August and September, 128 birdwatchers conducted eight observation sessions within a 20km radius of the park, documenting 10,824 individuals across 12 different species.

The most numerous species observed was the shearwater, with 9,626 individuals. Other notable sightings included 846 sanderlings, 264 terns, and several rare species such as the Tufted Puffin, which is a natural monument and an endangered species. The survey also recorded the presence of the Brown Booby, a bird typically found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans.

Experts noted that the appearance of the Brown Booby may serve as an indirect indicator of climate change and rising sea temperatures. Additionally, the first-ever sightings of the Pink Starlings and Korean White-eyes in the Ulsan area during the Chuseok holiday highlight the area's importance as a critical stopover point for birds traveling on strong winds.