Explore Ulsan's Winter Birdwatching Experience

Attention all travelers preparing for a trip to Ulsan!
There is a special opportunity to enjoy free birdwatching of migratory birds.
During my visit, I noticed many travelers from other regions came to see winter migratory birds.
The Ulsan Migratory Bird Travel Bus offers more than just sightseeing; it allows you to directly see, hear, and feel the stories of Ulsan's ecological environment and migratory birds.
Especially for those interested in birdwatching during the winter season, I believe this program is a must-try experience.
The Ulsan Migratory Bird Travel Bus is the first of its kind in the country, offering a free bus program dedicated to birdwatching, centered around the Taehwa River and various migratory bird habitats across Ulsan.
The areas around the Taehwa River, Dongcheon, Hwaya River, and Ulsan Bay were designated as an International Migratory Bird Route site in 2021, highlighting their ecological value.
This program is designed to promote ecological tourism centered on migratory birdwatching.
The travel bus operates:
- 5 days a week (Wednesday to Sunday)
- Two departures daily at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM
- Starting from the parking lot of Taehwa River National Garden, lasting about 3 hours
- Participation is completely free.
Each day features different birdwatching locations. On Wednesdays, the route focuses on the Uljin region, allowing participants to observe various migratory birds in diverse river environments.
Thursdays cover the Buk-gu area, Fridays the Nam-gu area, and Saturdays and Sundays return to Uljin.
Advance reservations are required, and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The program accommodates 12 participants per session, with a minimum age of 5 years old. Free binocular rentals are available (to be returned after use).
During the tour, a guide accompanies the group and explains the types and characteristics of migratory birds found in Ulsan, making it accessible for beginners.
On the day I participated, although the weather was not completely clear, I was able to observe a surprising variety of migratory birds.
At Seolmot, I spotted the Blue-headed Duck and the White-breasted Waterhen. Their graceful movements on the water were impressive, and the differences in color and appearance were more noticeable through the binoculars.
At the Daeam Bridge, I observed various birds, including the White-cheeked Pintail, Mallard, Grey Heron, and the Great Cormorant. It was fascinating to see the Great Cormorant drying its feathers up close.
I also learned about the origins of bird names, which are often derived from their appearance or calls.
The birdwatching around the Saim Village focused on the riverbanks, where I observed many Black-tailed Gulls. Their busy movements were so cute that everyone watched them quietly.
We also spotted Mandarin Ducks briefly during our travels. With the explanations provided, even the birds I usually overlooked seemed different.
Finally, at Seonbawi, I found it to be an excellent location for observing various migratory birds. Unfortunately, the weather was not ideal that day, so I couldn’t see any eagles, but I got close to many different species of migratory birds.
The moment everyone held their breath in silence while observing was particularly memorable.
The Ulsan Migratory Bird Travel Bus is not just a sightseeing trip; it is a meaningful time to understand Ulsan's ecological environment and learn how to coexist with migratory birds.
Given that this is a free program, the quality of the experience and the friendly guidance provided make it especially recommended for beginners in birdwatching.
Having encountered such a variety of migratory birds on just the Wednesday route, I am eager to participate again in different seasons.
If you love nature and are looking for a unique travel experience in Ulsan, I highly recommend trying the Migratory Bird Travel Bus.

Source :https://blog.naver.com/ulsan_nuri/224152926629
No comments yet.

