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Crane Hunting in Yancheng: 3-Day Ecological Photography Tour of the Red-Crowned Crane in the Nature Reserve and the Mighty Elk in Dafeng

D1

Day 1 Shanghai → Dafeng → Yancheng

All day

From 7:00 to 7:30 in the morning, everyone gathered downstairs at the Mingshen Center Building to sign in and set off. Along the way, the team leader introduced the activities and team members, and there were interactive games, filling the entire journey with laughter and joy...

We arrived in Dafeng around 12 noon and entered the Dafeng Elk Nature Reserve after lunch. The reserve is the largest elk nature reserve in the world and has the largest wild elk population in the world. We had plenty of time to take photos.

After sunset, go to Xinyanggang Town and rest.

D2

Day 2 Yancheng

All day

We rose early and followed the reserve staff to the Red-crowned Crane Reserve for photography. Remember, avoid brightly colored clothing. The natural reedy vegetation, rich and diverse mudflat life, and tranquil, untouched landscape make this an ideal habitat for birds. Every year, over 600 red-crowned cranes, a nationally recognized rare bird, winter here, along with tens of thousands of geese and ducks, creating a spectacular black mass in flight. We entered a secluded photo spot to capture the cranes foraging, playing, chasing, and courting. The photoshoot concluded as the sun rose.

After lunch, we took a nap and in the afternoon, at the agreed time [entered the reserve for the second time] to shoot. At this time, the red-crowned cranes returned from hunting and landed one after another, forming a beautiful landscape. After dark, the shooting ended and we returned to the hotel to rest.

Note: We spent the day in the reserve filming, so we had plenty of time. Early morning and evening are the most active times for red-crowned cranes. The focal length of the lens used for filming red-crowned cranes was between 200mm and 600mm. 200mm was used for panoramas, and 400-600mm was used for close-ups.

D3

Day 3 Yancheng → Shanghai

All day

We woke up early this morning and headed to the fishing harbor to capture documentary footage of boatmen at work. Wooden fishing boats departed from the harbor in the early morning, reflecting the rising sun as a bustling scene unfolded. On the boats, workers busily mended their nets, their smiles reflecting the joy of a good harvest. This is a common subject for local photographers.

We returned to Shanghai after lunch. Normally we could arrive back in Shanghai around 19:00. The wonderful journey ended in a hurry. Everyone was still reluctant to leave and kissed goodbye with tears in their eyes!

Q: How do I shoot if it rains ?

A: To avoid disturbing the wild red-crowned cranes, our cameras were set up in a small house, with each person filming from a window. Showers or light rain will not significantly affect filming, as long as you bring a raincoat and camera rain cover. (Based on the Central Meteorological Observatory's weather forecast.)

The Red-crowned Crane Nature Reserve covers a total area of ​​over 3.6 million mu (approximately 1.5 million acres), with a core area of ​​approximately 150,000 mu (approximately 1.5 million acres). With its natural reed-filled vegetation, rich and diverse coastal life, and tranquil, untouched environment, it is an ideal habitat for avian life. Every year, over 600 red-crowned cranes, a nationally recognized rare bird, winter here, along with tens of thousands of geese and ducks, creating a spectacular black mass in flight.

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