A nature walk in the Haikou countryside with ox, ducks and the Long-tailed Shrike
Feb. 12 marks the beginning of the Year of the Ox. The second animal of the Chinese zodiac, the ox denotes the hard work and honesty is loyal, gentle and trustworthy.
For centuries the ox has been important to the economy of rural communities in Hainan. On the 8th day of the 3rd lunar month, the Li celebrate the Oxen’s Festival.
Domesticated farm animals in the Haikou countryside comprise mainly of goats, ox, chickens, geese and of course ducks.
There are currently about 400 different species of birds making their home on Hainan Island.
Winter is the best time to go bird watching on the island due to annual migrations.
The Long-tailed Shrike favour dry open habitats, and can be found perched atop low branches or bushes.
They are found across Asia, from Kazakhstan to New Guinea.
They eat lizards. Large insects and even small birds and rodents.
Related article: Leopard cats spotted more frequently across Hainan
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