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| ▲This photo, provided by photographer Yoon Gi-deok show 'Spoonbill' at Ulsan. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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| ▲This photo, provided by photographer Yoon Gi-deok show 'White Naped Crane' at Ulsan. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL January 6 (Yonhap) -- Ulsan City Government addressed on Friday, that “Spoonbill” and “White Naped Crane” are staying in Ulsan since the end of 2022.
According to the data provided by the government, “Spoonbill” was spotted by the agents observing migratory bird around Taehwagang River at the Dongcheon stream located within Buku on December 28.
It is the first time “Spoonbill” was ever spotted in Ulsan City since they started the observatory project of migrating bird nearby Taehwagang River in 2008.
“Spoonbill” is classified as one of the members of Threskiornithidae where the bird gets its name from the way it shakes it’s head to side by side while hunting for food.
Normally “Spoonbills” have a yellow tip at the end of their beak with some wrinkles, however, the one spotted within dongcheon has black beak with hint of pink, without any wrinkles.
Also, the spotted “spoonbill” is considered to be a young entity, because it has faded yellow hair in front of its eyes, and unique black pattern shown towards the end of its wings, when flying.
The “Spoonbill” spotted is staying at a single area hunting for food or sleeping with one its beak buried under its wings.
On January 3, anonymous call was received regarding the spotting of crane at a paddy field, after examining the scene, it was disclosed as “White Naped Crane” hunting for its food.
“White Naped Crane” which classifies as Gruidae, has a nickname of “White Necked Gruidae,” due to its white fur covering its neck to the top of its head and has a unique feature of exposed skin near its eyes.
“Whte Naped Crane” is considered as one of the most vulurable species in existence, hence IUCN included “Whte Naped Crane” as one of the members of Red Data Book.
“White Naped Crane” exists only in Far East Asia, and known to migrate to Hangang River, Suncheon Bay, and more in South Korea.
It is the first time “White Naped Crane” has been spotted in Ulsan City since it was injured by a net nearby the dropwort field located in Ulju County in 2017.
However, photographer not only Yoon Gi-deok took photos and videos of “Spoonbill” hunting for food nearby the dongcheon on January 1, but also he took photos of “White Naped Crane” on January 4.
Photographer decided to donate his photos and videos of the birds for free so that more people will be introduced to such rare creature.
“Due to great amount of food, and the environment, ‘White Nape Crane,’ and ‘Spoonbill’ will stay the winter at Ulsan if nothing too dramatic happens,” adding “We will continue to look out for any potential threats so that these migrated birds could stay the winter at Ulsan safely, I hope people will participate in protecting the unique creature by staying away from the creature or threatening them.” addressed official of Ulsan City Government.
(This article is translated from Korean to English by Joonha Yoo)
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