A paradise amidst urbanity. That’s what the Wildbird pond in Fukuoka is. Fukuoka City is known as Kyushu’s core urban area. Yet, it’s also one of the best places in the country to observe wild birds. Birdathon competitions take place here. Participants try to spot the most species of wild birds in one day. It’s not unusual for the total to exceed 100 in Fukuoka. Bird watchers from all over the country flock to Fukuoka for birding.
Why is Fukuoka such a draw for birds? The natural environment is the reason. Within the city limits, the altitude ranges from sea level to mountains of 1,000 meters. Plains, ponds and rivers also dot the landscape. This diverse environment ensures the presence of many bird species at the Wildbird pond.
Fukuoka’s location is also key. It is close to the Asian continent. It lies on the route of migratory birds. That means different birds can be seen in different seasons at Wildbird pond.
Consider the crested honey buzzard. This hawk family member is seen throughout the Aburayama area in the fall. Observers sometimes see several thousand in flight. More birds can be seen here than almost anywhere else in Japan. Several thousand marine birds come to the Shikanoshima area in the winter. In early spring, the narcissus flycatcher and other birds arrive. They spend the summer in Japan. Some of these birds are infrequently observed.
The city of Fukuoka has a plan to develop a Wild Bird Park. It will be at one corner of Island City. However, the final approved plan may not include habitat for Black-faced Spoonbills. This is according to SAVE International as of January 2015.
Hakata Bay in Fukuoka is a wintering place for Black-faced Spoonbills in Japan. But recent years have seen a decline in migrants. Wajiro Tidal Flat used to support many migratory water birds. It is shrinking due to landfill from the Island City Project. This project began in 1994. It involves construction of an artificial island. The goal is to develop port and harbor facilities and a new urban area.
SAVE International worked to create alternative land-use plans for Island City. They advised increasing the area for the Wild Bird Park to 16 hectares. The final plan for the Wild Bird Park in Fukuoka’s Island City was announced in January 2015. The Wild Bird Park design ostensibly follows the concepts of “living with nature.” It also emphasizes “a place of environmental education,” and the “creation of diverse habitat”.
The planned Wild Bird Park is part of the Eco-Park Zone. It encompasses 530 hectares around Hakata Bay. The park covers 12 hectares. Only half or less of the park is useful habitat for birds. The plan includes 2.3 hectares of wetlands fed by rainwater. About 3.8 hectares are shallow seashore habitat. These are designed as resting places for sandpipers and plovers. The remaining area is open lawn and hills surrounded by trees. That’s useful for human recreation. However, it is not ideal as shorebird habitat.
SAVE International believes the Wild Bird Park serves primarily recreational purposes. They feel it fails to fully support wildlife. Despite these challenges, the Wildbird pond and surrounding areas remain a vital spot for birdwatching.
So, as you explore, remember the dynamic interplay between urban development and nature. The Wildbird pond offers a unique opportunity to witness this delicate balance.