"If You're Lucky, You Can See an Endangered Bird"... Traffic Information CCTV Viewership Explodes

Newly Hatched Saehorigi Captured on Traffic Cameras Sparks Interest
Birdwatching Trend Emerges with Names 'Taeani' and 'Boryeongi'

The endangered bird species, Saehorigi, has appeared on a security camera providing traffic information from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, attracting attention. According to social networking services (SNS) on the 17th, a netizen posted that Saehorigi was spotted on a security camera installed near the Boryeong Undersea Tunnel Promotion Center in Boryeong-si, Chungnam, and the post has been widely shared. The author, Mr. A, said, "Saehorigi often comes to rest on the closed-circuit television (CCTV) in front of the Boryeong Undersea Tunnel Promotion Center," adding, "Everyone, please enjoy birdwatching easily without any loss."

A crested kingfisher spotted on the CCTV in front of the Boryeong Undersea Tunnel Promotion Center. [Image source=Captured from X (formerly Twitter)]

The security camera is installed on National Route 77, heading toward Boryeong at the Boryeong Undersea Tunnel, and can be viewed at the National Transportation Information Center. There is a metal structure in front of the camera, which seems to be a resting spot for Saehorigi. Following Mr. A’s birdwatching method becoming known, numerous posts have appeared on SNS claiming sightings of Saehorigi. Photos include images of Saehorigi successfully hunting and eating prey, as well as preening its feathers.

Netizens are welcoming the Saehorigi by nicknaming them 'Boryeongi' and 'Taeani' after the regions shown on the CCTV. On SNS, cheerful reactions such as "It feels like a gift," "I sometimes go to check the Boryeong Undersea Tunnel Promotion Center CCTV whenever I think of it," "I endlessly watch the national road CCTV waiting for the bird," "It's amazing to be able to see it from home," and "I'm the only one without Saehorigi" have been expressed. Methods for watching Saehorigi, frequent appearance times, and real-time status are also actively shared.

Saehorigi is a bird belonging to the order Accipitriformes and family Accipitridae, designated as a level 2 endangered wild animal. Adult body length grows up to 30?40 cm. The head is dark brown, and the edges of the feathers are brown or reddish brown. A distinctive thin yellowish-brown stripe runs from the forehead to above the eyes. In summer, it migrates to Korea as a summer migratory bird for breeding. Its name reflects its unique call and the ability to mesmerize birds with its agile hunting speed. It is known that its diving speed reaches up to 161 km/h.