"Internationally Protected Ferruginous Duck Spotted at Taehwagang... Discovered at Ulsan Waterbird Observation Center"

Three Redheads Spotted Near Samho Bridge on the 17th
First Observation Record at Taehwagang in Ulsan... Recognized as a Good Habitat for Birds

On the day the Taehwagang Hajungdo Waterbird Observation Center opened, the internationally protected bird "Redhead" made an appearance, drawing attention.

The city of Ulsan announced that on March 17 at 10 a.m., the internationally protected bird "Redhead" was discovered at the Taehwagang Hajungdo Waterbird Observation Center (Mugeo-dong).

Reddish brown and white dead leaf. Photo by Yoon Giduk

Natural environment interpreters stationed at the observation center (Lee Chansook and Park Myunghee) spotted a bird different from the usual Redhead for the first time.

The city of Ulsan, together with citizen biologist and photographer Yoon Gideuk, captured photos and videos of two female and one male Redhead feeding at the site.

The Redhead, a member of the Anatidae family of the order Anseriformes, is estimated to have a global population of about 160,000 to 250,000 individuals. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies it as a Near Threatened species on the Red List, as it is at risk of extinction in the wild.

In Korea, it is a rare species, with only one individual confirmed at Junam Reservoir in February 2002, and occasional sightings at Geumgang Estuary, Namdaecheon in Gangneung, and Jeju.

The bird is characterized by a white central belly and undertail coverts, with males having white irises and females having black irises.

Until 6 p.m. on March 17, the Redhead was observed feeding among other duck species at Taehwagang, but it was determined to have left before the morning of the following day.

Hong Seungmin, CEO of Jjaekjjaek Rest Area, said, "Until last week (March 14), about 20 individuals were wintering along the Busan coast, and it is presumed that some stopped by briefly on their way to breeding grounds. Since these individuals visited Taehwagang for the first time, it suggests that Taehwagang is now recognized as a good resting place for migratory birds."

An official from Ulsan City said, "More migratory birds are newly visiting Taehwagang and Ulsan. We plan to continue observation and protection activities together with migratory bird monitoring staff, bird correspondents, and natural environment interpreters."

Reddish brown white rice porridge. Photo by Yoon Giduk

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.