East Asian Flyway and Shorebird Counts — 2026-10-10
South Korea has initiated preemptive avian influenza (AI) quarantine measures as winter migratory birds begin arriving, with recent counts showing a 2.9-fold increase in duck populations at key sites compared to last year. In China, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration reports that daily migratory bird observations at major wetlands have already surpassed 50,000, with projections exceeding 300,000 by late October. Meanwhile, significant concerns have been raised in South Korea regarding the environmental assessment of the new Gadeokdo Airport, which critics argue failed to adequately account for peak migration periods.
East Asian Flyway and Shorebird Counts — 2026-10-10
Top developments
South Korea Intensifies AI Surveillance as Winter Migrants Arrive
The Korean government launched preemptive quarantine protocols against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) starting October 6, following the arrival of winter migratory birds. A national survey conducted by the National Institute of Biological Resources between September 25 and 27 observed 57,036 waterfowl at ten major habitats nationwide, including 32,769 ducks. Notably, the combined count of Anatidae (duck family) birds at three key sites—Han River Estuary, Sihwa Lake, and Saptgyo Lake—was approximately 2.9 times higher than the same period in the previous year, prompting expanded surveillance at 112 locations.
China Reports Surge in Migratory Bird Arrivals
China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration reported on October 3 that multiple wetlands across the country are currently hosting peak migration activity. At specific protected areas, daily observations of migratory birds have reached over 50,000 individuals. Authorities predict that these numbers will surge to more than 300,000 by late October as the main wave of winter migrants from Siberia and other northern regions continues southward along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
Criticism of Gadeokdo Airport Environmental Assessment
Newspenguin reported on October 9 that the strategic environmental impact assessment for the planned Gadeokdo New International Airport in Busan is being criticized for significant gaps in bird migration data. The assessment primarily relied on data from 2022, which missed critical migration peaks. Specifically, large-scale movements of the endangered Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), classified as a Class II protected wild animal, were observed flying over the site in September of the previous year, but were not fully captured in the official evaluation period. Critics argue this omission undermines the validity of the project's ecological impact analysis.
Indus Flyway Facing Severe Population Decline
A report published by THE AsiaN on October 6 highlights a deepening ecological crisis along the Indus Flyway in Pakistan. Official surveys indicate a drastic reduction in the number of wintering waterbirds that historically numbered in the millions. This decline in the "International Flyway No. 4" poses a severe threat to the connectivity of the broader East Asian-Australasian Flyway, as many species utilize these corridors for stopovers or wintering.
Local view
Green Korea Union (녹색연합) has organized an online webinar titled "The Chain of Exploitation ③ The Vanishing Path of Migratory Birds" scheduled for October 12, 2026. The event aims to discuss the systemic threats facing migratory routes, reflecting growing civil society concern over habitat loss and infrastructure development impacts on flyways.
Vegan News Korea published guidance on ethical birdwatching practices on October 9, emphasizing that maintaining distance is more critical than adhering to a fixed meter count to avoid disturbing migrating birds. This reflects a broader domestic focus on balancing tourism with conservation during the peak season.
Context & numbers
- Korea Waterfowl Counts: 57,036 waterfowl observed in late September across 10 major sites; 32,769 were ducks.
- Population Spike: Duck counts at Han River Estuary, Sihwa Lake, and Sapgyo Lake increased by ~190% (2.9x) year-over-year.
- China Projections: Daily counts currently >50,000; expected to exceed 300,000 by late October.
- Surveillance Expansion: Korea expanded AI surveillance sites to 112 locations.
On the radar
- October 12, 2026: Green Korea Union hosts a webinar on the vanishing paths of migratory birds.
- Late October 2026: Peak arrival numbers expected in China's wetlands, with counts potentially surpassing 300,000 daily at key sites.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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