The Hongze Farm Birds’ Natural Reserve lies in the southeast of Sihong County in the lower reach of Xuhong River and Andong River, covering a total area of 5.22 square kilometers with the core area coming to 58.4 acres. In 2001, approved by the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, it was upgraded into a Natural Reserve within the scope of Hongze Lake Wetland. Featuring distinct monsoon climate, the Reserve enjoys warm temperature and sufficient sunshine. The wetland keeps a permanent water depth of 0.6 meters with the water limpid and crystal clear, accommodating abundant species. It is looked on as a habitat most suitable for migratory and passing birds. Withing the Reserve, there are over 110 kinds of plants and birds of 194 kinds of 44 families and 15 categories, accounting for more than half of the birds resources in Jiangsu Province, among which 43 are permanent birds, 100 migratory birds (41 summer migrants and 59 winter migrants) and 51 passing birds. Herons dominate the birds and Cattle Egrets, Chinese Pond-Herons, Grey Herons and Intermediate Egrets occupy a large proportion. Recently, rare birds like Great Bustards, White Storks and Reed Parrotbills have been surprisingly discovered.