Across the borderless sky paths, flocks of migratory birds fly free. At a certain point of time every year, migratory birds fly into Korea from across the world -- from China, Russia, Japan, Southeast Asia and from the faraway lands of Australia and New Zealand.

Recently, the National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR) opened a special exhibition themed on migratory birds, titled "Migrants in the Sky." Starting from August 14, the exhibition will last until May 31, 2015, at the NIBR, Seo-gu, Incheon.


This exhibition showcases a collection of 70 birds categorized under 60 species, and is noted for the inclusion of rare bird species such as the stork and Mute Swan, registered as endangered species of wild fauna and flora by the Ministry of Environment. The various methods of survival as well as the characteristics of ecology will be introduced and on display.

Visitors to the section "Season Change" can become familiar with the seasonal patterns of birds since each species is displayed in three different categories: summer, as winter visitors and as passage migrants.

In the middle of the exhibition hall, a gigantic booklet about migratory birds has been installed, consisting of a collection of life-like displays and photographs. It is expected to give visitors a chance to better understand the "science" behind the birds: various body parts as well as the functions the bodies of migratory birds can perform. The back of the installation introduces the major observatory points and sanctuary sites that exist nationwide.



The exhibition consists of a number of sections. One of them is dedicated to introducing the flight or journey the birds undertake. Another offers a variety of birdcalls, letting visitors distinguish how they can differ. Also, kids are invited to count the number of birds flying at any given moment.

Kim Sang-bae, head of the NIBR, said, "The exhibition is expected to draw attention since it can be a universal topic for most visitors from Asian nations who might pay a visit to Incheon for the upcoming 17th Asian games that starts on September 19."

By Lee Seung-ah
Korea.net Staff Writer
slee27@korea.kr