Chirping filled the air at the Osaka Nankou Bird Sanctuary. It’s a symphony of nature. This sanctuary isn’t just a place for birds. It’s a testament to the importance of conservation. The Osaka Nankou Bird Sanctuary sits in the northwest corner of the Sakishima reclamation land. This area, reclaimed in the 1940s, transformed into a haven for birds by 1969. The growing numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds caught the attention of NGOs. They began conservation efforts, enhancing the area’s appeal to migratory birds. These birds, traveling thousands of kilometers from breeding grounds in northern China, Mongolia, Siberia, and Alaska, found respite in Osaka Bay. Their journey to warmer climates in Australia and Indonesia made stopover sites like this crucial.
The Osaka Nankou Bird Sanctuary officially opened in 1983. It covers 19 hectares, encompassing woodland, ponds, a lagoon, artificial tidal flats, and a salt marsh. While direct access to the tidal flats and salt marsh is restricted, two observation towers offer clear views. The main indoor facility has large windows. Visitors can open them for binoculars and cameras. Telescopes are available, or you can bring your own. Information boards and touch-screen computers (in Japanese) provide details about the various bird species. There’s also a library, a rentable meeting room, and a display of wood-carved and preserved birds. The northern observation facility is a simpler open-air structure. It offers wooden seats, viewing holes, and pictures of Nanko’s avian visitors.
Between 1983 and 2002, 236 bird species were identified at the Osaka Nankou Bird Sanctuary. This included over 50 shorebird species. A study also identified 134 species of benthos, the organisms living on or in the sea or lake bottoms. This rich diversity highlights the wetland’s health. The Osaka Nankou Bird Sanctuary plays a vital role in educating people about wetlands and water birds. Formal classes are held for local students. Volunteer staff lead informal observation events every Sunday and on public holidays. Organizations like the Wild Bird Society of Japan and the Nature Conservation Society of Osaka also conduct bird-watching events. The Osaka Port and Harbour Bureau hosts events during Bird Week in May. The sanctuary also involves volunteers in a conservation program to remove excess Ulva weed and collect litter. The best time to visit is during low tide, around dawn or dusk. Join the passionate birdwatchers, the “twitchers,” who find joy in observing these feathered wonders.