Golden eagles and white-tailed eagles have been spotted with unusual frequency around Beijing's outskirts last winter and this spring, drawing crowds of photographers eager to capture rare images of the large raptors.
In Fangshan district, dozens of enthusiasts gathered by the roadside to photograph the golden eagles.
"Species such as the golden eagle and white-tailed sea eagle were traditionally believed to inhabit only the remote, deep forests of Greater Khingan Mountains and the Lesser Khingan Mountains in northeast China. Seeing them in Beijing is truly unexpected," said Yang Gensuo, a photographer from Heilongjiang Province, northeast China.
At the Xiyu Reservoir in Pinggu district, more than a dozen white-tailed eagles became the focus of nearly 100 cameras.
"They were hovering in the sky, extending their talons and playfully sparring. Capturing this entire scene sparked cheers and excitement among many of our shutterbugs," said Duan Zheng, a photographer.
Local bird watchers said that white-tailed eagles now arrive at the reservoir each December and stay until mid-March. This season, 18 have been recorded wintering here.
The growing number of sightings of birds of prey in Beijing's outskirts should be attributed to improved ecological conditions and reduced human disturbance in recent years, according to bird experts.
Birds of prey return to Beijing as ecology improves, thrilling birders
