Discovering the Back-billed Godwit in Sejong’s Urban Forest

Discovery in an Urban Jungle

Who would imagine spotting an endangered shorebird wandering through a city woodland Did you know that on July 23 experts and citizen scientists at Sejong National Arboretum recorded the very first urban sighting of the back-billed godwit The news spread like wildfire as onlookers shared excitement across news portals and social media platforms br Sejong’s carefully designed water features and native plant groves proved irresistible even to a tundra nomad br The discovery underscores the arboretum’s growing role as an urban wildlife haven

The Amazing Migration Journey

Have you ever pondered how a tiny bird travels from Siberian tundra to Korean city forests The back-billed godwit breeds near Alaska and Siberia before embarking on an epic journey down to South Asia or northern Australia Each spring and autumn thousands pause on our coastlines to refuel but this pioneer took a new route br Its slightly upturned bill lets it probe mudflats for invertebrates yet it found enough treats in Sejong’s streams and wetlands The journey of over 7,000 kilometers never looked so enchanting

Citizen Scientists in Action

Since 2021 the arboretum has trained volunteers to map biodiversity and Six birds and plant specialists collaborate through the Urban Forest Citizen Explorers program br These enthusiasts logged the godwit sighting during a routine survey and their photos went viral on Naver blogs and Daum news comments br Community reaction was overwhelmingly positive with 90 percent of comments praising the initiative Some even called it proof that city dwellers can help save global species

What This Means for Conservation

Could an urban park become a lifeline for migratory wildlife The back-billed godwit sighting raises new questions about habitat restoration and green corridors br Local comments on birdwatching forums echoed wonder and calls for expanded wetlands in other cities while discussions on EFM Korea mixed awe with concern over ongoing wetland loss br The find highlights the urgent need to balance urban development with nature and to celebrate every small victory in global conservation efforts