In April of this year, three species of wild birds, namely the common chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), great knot (Calidris tenuirostris), and rufous-bellied sapsucker (Dendrocopos hyperythrus), were successively observed and recorded in Huai'an. According to authoritative retrieval of A Checklist on the Classification and Distribution of the Birds of China (Fourth Edition), the database of the China Bird Record Center, the Huai'an Wild Bird List 2.0 (2025), and other materials, it is confirmed that these three bird species are all new distribution records of wild birds in Huai'an. To date, the number of wild bird species in Huai'an has increased from 308 to 311, an addition of 23 species since the 2024 list, marking steady growth over several consecutive years.

The successive appearance of new bird species reflects the continuous improvement of the ecological carrying capacity of Huai'an's wetlands. In recent years, Huai'an City has focused on key wetlands such as Hongze Lake, White Horse Lake, and Gaoyou Lake, continuously implementing projects to restore polders to lakes, promote ecological restoration, and improve water quality to provide high-quality habitats for birds with diverse habits. From the black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor, a first-class nationally protected species) and the critically endangered snow crane (Leucogeranus leucogeranus) to the 20,000 baikal teals (Anas formosa) that overwinter here, and now the three newly recorded species, an increasing number of winged creatures have chosen Huai'an as their migratory stopover or permanent home.

In April of this year alone, volunteers from the Huai'an Wetlands and Wildlife Conservation Association conducted 32 recording trips over 24 days. Their efforts spanned key ecological areas across the city, including Xuyi, Hongze, Jinhu, and Lianshui, and recorded 166 species of wild birds across 17 orders and 48 families.