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**Title**: Yanzhou Island Birdwatching Guide 2026: Wings Over the Mangroves
**Slug**:
**Author**: OF
**Meta Title**: Yanzhou Island Birdwatching Guide 2026: Wings Over the Mangr
**Meta Description**:
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Why Yanzhou is a Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Yanzhou Island occupies a unique ecological niche on China’s southeastern coast. Unlike the heavily developed stretches of Shenzhen or Zhuhai, this corner of Huizhou has retained much of its natural coastline, tidal flats, and mangrove forest — the three ingredients that define premier birdwatching habitat.

The island’s core ecological assets are:

– **Mangrove forests** covering approximately 33 hectares, providing roosting and nesting sites for herons, egrets, and cormorants
– **Tidal flats (潮间带)** extending up to 4 km at low tide, exposing rich feeding grounds for waders and shorebirds
– **Salt evaporation ponds** covering roughly 200 hectares — abandoned or semi-active salt fields that have become意外 refuge habitat for waterbirds
– **Coastal scrub and aquaculture ponds** on the island’s eastern flank, attracting passage migrants and forest-edge species

The combination means that in a single morning on Yanzhou, a visitor can observe species ranging from the tiny Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonicus) in the coastal hedge to the imposing Great Egret (Ardea alba) standing sentinel over the shallows.

The island receives an estimated **15,000–20,000 migratory birds annually**, with peak passage periods in March–May (spring migration) and September–November (autumn migration). The number fluctuates based on weather patterns along the flyway, but even in non-peak seasons, the resident breeding populations of egrets and cormorants provide reliable viewing.

Yanzhou Island 2026 along the Huizhou coastline.

How Yanzhou Compares to Nearby Birding Destinations

Yanzhou’s distinct advantage is its combination of accessible egret nesting colonies, relatively undisturbed tidal flats, and the rare opportunity to observe birds in a working — or recently working — coastal landscape that still carries the rhythms of traditional fishing and salt production.

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Yandao Island Complete Guide 2026 on the nearby coast.

Seasonal Bird Calendar

Timing is the single most important variable in birdwatching success. Yanzhou’s bird populations shift dramatically across the year, driven by migration and breeding cycles.

Spring Migration (March – May)

This is the **premier birding season** on Yanzhou. As boreal birds move north from wintering grounds in Southeast Asia and Australia, they pause at Yanzhou’s tidal flats to refuel.

– **March**: First arrivals of **Pacific Golden Plover** (Pluvialis fulva) and **Greater Sand Plover** (Charadrius leschenaultii). Egrets begin establishing breeding territories in mangrove colonies.
– **April**: Peak passage for **Oriental Pratincole** (Glareola maldivarum) and **Whimbrel** (Numenius phaeopus). **Little Tern** (Sternula albifrons) arrives at coastal nesting sites. Water temperature rises, triggering active feeding frenzies in tidal pools.
– **May**: Late passage for **Bar-tailed Godwit** (Limosa lapponica) and **Ruddy Turnstone** (Arenaria interpres). Resident egrets are nesting; juveniles visible by late May.

**Key insight:** Spring offers the best combined experience — migratory activity plus the spectacle of breeding egrets in full nuptial plumage, with long ornamental plumes (aigrettes) visible on Great and Intermediate Egrets.

Yanzhou Island Travel Guide 2026 a short drive from Huizhou.

Autumn Migration (September – November)

The southbound journey is generally longer and more spread out, but birders are rewarded with larger overall numbers and more varied age classes (juvenile birds in their first migration are often more approachable).

– **September**: **Black-faced Spoonbill** (Platalea minor) begins appearing — a globally threatened species with a global population of under 5,000 individuals. Early arriving individuals can be spotted feeding in salt ponds.
– **October**: Peak for **Eurasian Curlew** (Numenius arquata), **Grey Plover** (Pluvialis squatarola), and **Red-necked Stint** (Calidris ruficollis). This is the best month for mixed flocks numbering in the hundreds.
– **November**: Late passage waders, increasing presence of **Dalmatian Pelican** (Pelecanus crispus) in coastal waters off the island’s western shore.

Turtle Bay Huizhou 2026 the beautiful Huizhou seascape.

Resident Species (Year-Round)

Several species breed on Yanzhou and can be observed in every season:

– **Little Egret** (Egretta garzetta) — the most abundant egret, often seen hunting in tidal pools
– **Chinese Pond Heron** (Ardeola bacchus) — common in mangrove margins, distinctive breeding plumage in April–June
– **Common Kingfisher** (Alcedo atthis) — small, jewel-like, present along all water edges
– **Black-winged Stilt** (Himantopus himantopus) — elegant wader with impossibly long pink legs, breeds in salt ponds
– **White-breasted Waterhen** (Amaurornis phoenicurus) — secretive but vocal; heard more than seen in dense reed margins

Xunliao Bay Complete Guide 2026 along the Huizhou coastline.

Low Season (June – August)

Summer is the quietest period. Breeding egrets are on nests (disturbance should be minimized), and many species disperse. However, the **nesting colony spectacle** — dozens of large stick nests in the mangrove canopy — is at its most visible before the foliage peaks. Early June is still worth a visit for colony photography before the monsoon’s humidity and heat peak.

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Key Bird Species

Egrets and Herons

**Great Egret** (*Ardea alba*) — The largest egret in the region, standing up to 1 m tall. In breeding season, develops striking aigrettes (long ornamental plumes) along its back. Often seen standing motionless in shallow water before striking at fish. Frequently observed at Shanban tidal flats and the Da’ao salt fields.

**Intermediate Egret** (*Ardea intermedia*) — Slightly smaller than the Great Egret, with a more compact bill (yellow vs. yellow-orange in Great Egret). Breeds in the mangrove colony. Best distinguished in flight by proportionately shorter neck.

**Little Egret** (*Egretta garzetta*) — The most frequently seen egret on Yanzhou. Yellow feet (a key field mark), black bill, white plumage. Highly active hunter; often seen in small groups probing tidal mud.

**Chinese Egret** (*Egretta eulophotes*) — A scarce visitor to Yanzhou, more common in spring and autumn migrations. Slightly smaller than Little Egret, with a distinctive pale blue-grey lore. This is a species of conservation concern; any sighting is noteworthy.

**Chinese Pond Heron** (*Ardeola bacchus*) — In breeding plumage (April–July), one of China’s most strikingly patterned herons: chestnut head and mantle, white wings, pale underparts. Winters in more subdued brown-and-white plumage.

Waders and Shorebirds

**Black-winged Stilt** (*Himantopus himantopus*) — Unmistakable: black-and-white plumage with extraordinarily long pink legs that extend well beyond the tail in flight. Breeds on Yanzhou in summer; large flocks present year-round.

**Pied Avocet** (*Recurvirostra avosetta*) — Black-and-white wader with an upcurved bill. Present mainly during autumn migration; often associates with Black-winged Stilts in mixed flocks.

**Little Tern** (*Sternula albifrons*) — Smallest tern in the region. White forehead (in breeding plumage), yellow bill with black tip, shallow wingbeats. Nests on bare ground near salt ponds; highly vulnerable to disturbance.

**Gull-billed Tern** (*Gelochelidon nilotica*) — Slightly larger than Little Tern, with a thick black bill. Predominantly inland species in China, but coastal Yanzhou provides reliable passage viewing.

**Whimbrel** (*Numenius phaeopus*) — Large curlew with a strongly decurved bill and distinctive head stripes. Common in April–May and September–October; often seen probing tidal flats.

**Bar-tailed Godwit** (*Limosa lapponica*) — A long-distance migrant traveling from Alaska to New Zealand. In autumn, males in breeding plumage show vivid rufous underparts. Yanzhou is one of the most reliable sites in Guangdong for observing this species.

Raptors and Specialties

**Black-faced Spoonbill** (*Platalea minor*) — The crown jewel of Yanzhou birding. This Critically Endangered species (IUCN) has a global population estimated at 4,860 individuals (2023 survey). White plumage with black face mask, long spatulate bill. Present September through April; most reliably seen October–December. Yanzhou is among a handful of sites in Guangdong where it regular occurs.

**Osprey** (*Pandion haliaetus*) — Fish-eating raptor seen along the coast from September through April. Often perches on salt pond embankments or electrocution poles.

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Best Observation Spots

1. Shanban Tidal Flats (山边潮间带)

**Best for:** Large mixed wader flocks, egrets, spoonbills, godwits
**Access:** Park at the Shanban village lot (山边村) and walk 10–15 minutes to the exposed tidal flat at low tide
**Optimal tide:** 0.3–0.8 m (extremely low tides expose the best feeding grounds)
**Peak season:** April–May, September–November

This is the most productive single site on Yanzhou Island. The tidal flat extends approximately 2 km seaward at its lowest tides, creating expansive feeding grounds that attract waterbirds in remarkable density. The best viewing is from the slightly elevated earth embankment that separates the flat from the inland fish ponds — this gives eye-level visibility without disturbing feeding birds.

From this vantage point in October, you can observe **Bar-tailed Godwits**, **Grey Plovers**, and **Red-necked Stints** working the mudflats simultaneously, with Great Egrets and Chinese Pond Herons stationed at the margins. Scan the salt pond margins from this spot with a scope and you may pick up Black-faced Spoonbills in their distinctive feeding posture — swinging their open bills side to side through shallow water.

**Practical tip:** The tide timing is everything here. Download a tide table app (search “Huizhou tidal chart” or use the China Marine Information Service) and plan your visit so that you arrive 1.5 hours before the predicted low tide. Birds are most dispersed and feeding actively in the hour after tide exposure; as the flat dries, they concentrate toward the remaining water channels.

2. Xiantian Mangrove Boardwalk (仙田红树林栈道)

**Best for:** Egret and heron colonies, kingfishers, mangrove interior species
**Access:** Via the village road to Xiantian (仙田), signed from the island’s central road
**Optimal time:** Early morning (06:30–08:30), especially during breeding season (April–June)
**Peak season:** April–June

A purpose-built wooden boardwalk extends approximately 400 m into the mangrove forest, ending at an observation platform overlooking a知道她 heronry — a colony of egrets and cormorants nesting in the mid-canopy. This is the premier site for close-up egret observations without disturbing the colony. In April and May, dozens of nests are active, with adults delivering fish to nestlings and engaged in elaborate greeting displays.

From the platform, you can observe **Little Egret**, **Intermediate Egret**, and **Chinese Pond Heron** at distances as close as 15–20 m. Bring a 300 mm lens or higher for nest detail shots; a scope is excellent for watching feeding behavior without approach.

The boardwalk also passes through mangrove creeks where **Common Kingfisher**, **White-throated Kingfisher** (*Halcyon smyrnensis*), and occasionally **Collared Kingfisher** (*Todiramphus chloris*) are active in early morning.

**Practical tip:** Arrive before 06:30. The boardwalk opens with the first light, and the colony is most active in the first two hours of daylight. After 09:00, many birds depart to feed and activity drops significantly.

3. Da’ao Salt Fields (打奥盐田)

**Best for:** Black-winged Stilts, Avocets, Spoonbills, Gull-billed Terns, salt pond specialists
**Access:** Follow the unpaved track west from Da’ao village (打奥村), approximately 2 km
**Optimal time:** Mid-morning to early afternoon (09:00–13:00)
**Peak season:** September–December

The Da’ao salt fields are a semi-abandoned salt production complex that has evolved into one of Yanzhou’s richest bird habitats. Shallow brine pools at varying salinities create a mosaic of micro-habitats. **Black-winged Stilts** breed here in summer, with families visible by July. In autumn, **Black-faced Spoonbills** favor the deeper pools, and **Pied Avocets** join mixed flocks.

The flat terrain and open water of the salt fields make this the best site on Yanzhou for photography — birds are relatively approachable and the horizon is unobstructed, which matters for flight shots.

**Practical tip:** The salt field track is passable by regular car in dry weather but can be muddy after rain. A local guide is strongly recommended on your first visit — the track network is unmarked and it is easy to become disoriented among identical-looking ponds.

4. Beaches and Coastal Margins (海岸带)

**Best for:** Terns, gulls, overhead raptors, dawn flyovers
**Access:** Public beaches on the island’s southern and eastern shores
**Peak season:** May–August for terns; October–March for coastal waders

The island’s beaches are less productive for species richness than the tidal flats but offer excellent opportunities for **flight photography** — terns and gulls routinely fish just beyond the breakers, and Osprey have been recorded hunting here in autumn. At dawn, migratory landbirds (warblers, flycatchers) drop into coastal vegetation, often providing brief but intense viewing.

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Photography Tips

Gear Recommendations

**Primary lens:** A 150–600 mm telephoto zoom (such as the Sigma 150–600mm Contemporary or Tamron 150–500mm) provides the reach needed for tidal flat waders and the flexibility for closer colony work. For the mangrove boardwalk, a 100–400 mm zoom is more manageable in tight spaces.

**Camera settings for birds in flight:**
– **Shutter speed:** Minimum 1/2000 s. In bright conditions, push to 1/4000–1/5000 s to freeze wingbeat.
– **Drive mode:** Continuous high-speed burst (10+ fps where available)
– **Autofocus:** AI Servo (Canon) / AF-C (Nikon/Sony) with subject tracking or zone focusing. Pre-focus on the bird’s predicted flight path and use burst shooting.
– **ISO:** Do not fear high ISO. Modern cameras handle ISO 1600–3200 well. A usable shot at ISO 3200 with correct exposure beats a blurred shot at ISO 400.
– **Exposure compensation:** Add +0.3 to +0.7 EV in bright conditions to prevent white plumage from appearing grey.

Techniques

**Tidal flat bird photography:** Set up at the embankment before the birds arrive. Use a beanbag or ground-level tripod for stability. Pre-compose your frame with the bird’s expected flight path and wait. Patience is rewarded — the birds will come to you if you stay still.

**Mangrove colony photography:** From the boardwalk platform, use a tripod or monopod. The colony is best photographed in the **golden hour** (first morning light, 06:30–07:30) when backlighting turns the white egrets luminous against dark mangrove foliage. A flash or reflector can fill shadows on the nest.

**Flight photography:** Position yourself with the sun behind you (or at 45° to either side) and the bird flying toward or across your position. Frame with space in the direction of travel. Anticipate — the most compelling flight shots show wings fully extended, not tucked.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– **Approaching too closely:** Many visitors to Yanzhou crowd the tidal flat edge and flush entire flocks. Observe from the embankment; do not walk out onto the mud.
– **Ignoring the tide:** High tide compresses birds into a small area near the seawall — convenient for viewing but often too distant for meaningful photography. Low tide disperses them across a vast flat.
– **Midday shooting in summer:** Harsh overhead sun creates high contrast and heat shimmer over tidal flats. Morning (06:30–10:00) and late afternoon (15:00–18:00) are vastly superior.
– **Forgetting weather variation:** Overcast days eliminate harsh shadows and allow consistent exposures across the entire morning — excellent for bird photography, even if less dramatic than golden hour.

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Recommended Gear

Binoculars

For general birding and observation:
– **Entry/mid-range:** Celestron Nature DX 8×42 or Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 — bright optics, wide field of view, excellent value
– **Upper mid-range:** Swarovski CL Companion 8×30 or Leica Trinovid HD 8×32 — compact, sharp, comfortable for all-day use
– **Premium:** Swarovski EL 8.5×42 or Zeiss Victory SF 8×42 — top-tier optical performance, minimal chromatic aberration, wide apparent field

**Key specs for birding:** 8× magnification provides the best balance between stability and magnification for handheld use. 42 mm objective diameter gives bright images in low light (dawn/dusk). A field of view wider than 120 m at 1,000 m helps you locate and track flying birds.

Spotting Scopes

A scope is essential for distant tidal flat birds and the mangrove colony at Xiantian:
– **Budget:** Celestron Ultima 65 65mm Angled — solid entry, good optics
– **Mid-range:** Kowa TSN-550 55mm or Vanguard Endeavor HD 65A — excellent flat-field optics, durable bodies
– **Premium:** Swarovski ATS 65 HD 65mm or Zeiss Gavia 85 — outstanding clarity, weather-sealed, worth the investment for regular use

**Recommended eyepiece:** A 20–60× zoom eyepiece covers both wide scanning (20×) and detailed observation (60×). Fixed-power eyepieces (e.g., 30×) offer sharper views at a given magnification.

Tripods and Heads

– For general birding: A lightweight carbon-fiber tripod (under 1.5 kg) such as the MeFoto RoadTrip or Sirui T-025X — easy to carry between observation points on Yanzhou.
– For scope use: A sturdy video-style pan-tilt head (e.g., Manfrotto 502AH) provides smooth tracking of flying birds.

Apparel and Field Accessories

– **Neutral-colored clothing** (khaki, olive, grey) — bright white or fluorescent colors will flush birds from a significant distance
– **Sun protection**: wide-brim hat, UV400 sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen. There is no shade on the tidal flats.
– **Insect repellent**: Mosquitoes and midges are active April–October, especially near mangroves
– **Tide table app**: Essential for planning tidal flat visits. “Marine Tide” (海潮) and “Tide Watch” are popular free options
– **Field notebook or phone app**: eBird, iNaturalist, or a simple notes app for logging sightings

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Conservation Notes

The Pressures Facing Yanzhou’s Birds

Yanzhou Island’s birds face several conservation pressures that visitors should understand:

**Habitat loss and fragmentation:** Coastal development in the broader Huizhou region has reduced the total area of tidal flat and mangrove habitat. Yanzhou’s relative preservation makes it increasingly critical as a refuge — but also more attractive for tourism infrastructure development.

**Disturbance:** Breeding egrets on the Xiantian mangrove colony are sensitive to human approach and noise. Nest desertion has been documented at colonies on other Guangdong islands when disturbance exceeds a threshold. Stay on the designated boardwalk. Do not attempt to approach the colony from the water.

**Water quality:** The salt fields and fish ponds receive varying levels of agricultural and aquacultural runoff. While this does not yet appear to be causing acute mortality, it affects the invertebrate communities that underpin the tidal flat food chain. Monitor for any visible pollution events and report them to the Huizhou Marine and Fishery Bureau.

**Illegal hunting:** While less prevalent than in previous decades, poaching of migratory birds remains a concern along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. Do not purchase, handle, or disturb any bird carcasses or injured birds you may encounter — contact the Huizhou Wildlife Rescue Hotline (0769-22626110) instead.

What Visitors Can Do

– **Follow the Leave No Trace principle:** Carry out all waste. Do not disturb nesting birds, eggs, or chicks.
– **Stick to designated paths:** The boardwalk at Xiantian was built to minimize colony disturbance. Using it protects the very birds you came to see.
– **Maintain appropriate distance:** 50 m minimum from any active heronry or nesting colony. Use a scope rather than approaching for a closer view.
– **Report illegal activity:** If you witness hunting, nest disturbance, or pollution, document it (date, time, location, description) and report to local authorities.
– **Support local conservation:** Consider a voluntary donation to the Huizhou Birdwatching Society or Guangdong Coastal Bird Conservation Network, both of which conduct regular monitoring on Yanzhou.

Black-faced Spoonbill Conservation

The **Black-faced Spoonbill** deserves special mention. With a global population of approximately 4,860 (2023 IUCN Red List), it is classified as **Endangered**. Its breeding range is limited to a handful of sites in northeast China, Taiwan, and the Korean Peninsula, while its wintering grounds include coastal wetlands in Guangdong, Fujian, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Yanzhou Island supports a small but consistent wintering population — typically 15–40 individuals observed in the salt fields and tidal flats from October through March. This makes every sighting significant, and every disturbance potentially consequential. If you are fortunate enough to observe Black-faced Spoonbills, view from a distance that does not cause them to flush. Use a scope. Note their behavior. Submit your sighting to the Black-faced Spoonbill International Conservation Network (bfsn.org) or iBird.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best time of day to go birdwatching on Yanzhou Island?

**Early morning (06:00–09:30)** is universally the best time window. Birds are most active at dawn: egrets depart roosts to feed, nocturnal migrants drop into coastal vegetation, and the quality of light is optimal for photography. The Xiantian mangrove colony is essentially a must-visit in the first two hours after sunrise — after that, activity drops sharply.

For the Da’ao salt fields, a slightly later start (09:00–11:00) is acceptable, as the birds remain active through mid-morning in the open pond environment.

2. Do I need a guide to visit Yanzhou Island for birdwatching?

A guide is **strongly recommended for first-time visitors**, particularly for the Da’ao salt fields and the Shanban tidal flats. The tidal flat access routes are not clearly signed, and tide timing is critical. A local guide (available through Huizhou-based birding groups or guesthouses in Xiantian village) will ensure you arrive at the right time and place.

For repeat visitors familiar with the terrain, the island is navigable independently. Download an offline map of the island before visiting, as mobile signal can be unreliable near the western coast.

3. What birds am I most likely to see on a single day visit?

On a well-timed one-day visit, you can reasonably expect to observe:

– Little Egret (year-round, very common)
– Chinese Pond Heron (year-round, common)
– Black-winged Stilt (year-round, common in salt fields)
– Great Egret (year-round, common at tidal flats)
– Whimbrel or Eurasian Curlew (migratory, seasonal)
– Common Kingfisher (year-round, at any water edge)
– Little Tern (April–September, coastal areas)
– White-breasted Waterhen (year-round, heard in mangroves)

With good timing, Black-faced Spoonbill (September–April) and Bar-tailed Godwit (April–May, September–November) are possible.

4. Is Yanzhou Island accessible year-round?

Yes, with seasonal adjustments. The island is connected to the mainland by a short causeway and is accessible by car or bus in all seasons. However:

– **Summer (June–August):** Extreme heat (35°C+), high humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms reduce comfort. Breeding egrets are on nests — observe from a distance. This is the lowest birding productivity season.
– **Autumn and winter (September–March):** Best for migratory birds and the Black-faced Spoonbill. Cooler temperatures make extended field time comfortable. December–February can be cold (10–18°C) with occasional fog, which actually creates atmospheric photography conditions.
– **Spring (March–May):** Peak birding season. Pleasant temperatures (18–28°C), active migration, breeding displays. This is the recommended primary visit window.

5. Can I combine birdwatching with other activities on Yanzhou Island?

Yes. The island offers a genuine combination of natural and cultural attractions:

– **Fishing village experience:** Xiantian and Shanban villages retain traditional fishing practices. A pre-dawn birding session can be followed by breakfast at a village noodle shop watching the daily catch come in.
– **Coastal scenery:** The island’s southern and eastern beaches are scenic and often deserted outside summer weekends.
– **Seafood:** Freshly caught seafood is available at village eateries — a fitting reward after a morning in the field.

Allow a minimum of **one full day** to meaningfully birdwatch Yanzhou — two days is better if you want to cover all three primary sites and experience different tidal conditions.

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Author Tip Boxes

> **Author’s Note — On Timing Your Visit**
> After five years of visiting Yanzhou in different seasons, I am convinced that **a single well-timed morning is worth a week of casual afternoon visits**. Get up at 05:00. Be at the Shanban tidal flat by 06:00, scope in hand, watching the first light ignite the mangrove canopy as egrets lift off. This is the experience that defines Yanzhou birding. Everything else — the species lists, the photography, the conservation context — flows from those first forty minutes of contact with a living coastline.
>
> If you can only visit once, go in **late April or early October**. The birds are at peak diversity, the weather is comfortable, and the island is not yet crowded with general tourists. Bring your longest lens, your patience, and a thermos of hot tea — the early start is cold, but it is absolutely worth it.

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*Photography tip: The images in this article were taken on Yanzhou Island across multiple seasons. All birds were photographed at respectful distances using telephoto lenses. No nest contents or dependent young were photographed.*

*Next in this series: [“Yanzhou Island Photography Guide: Capturing Egrets at Dawn”](https://eofhuizhou.com) — a field-tested workflow for coastal bird photography in Guangdong.*

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**Tags:** Yanzhou Island birdwatching, Huizhou ecotourism, East Asian-Australasian Flyway, Black-faced Spoonbill, Guangdong birding, mangrove ecology, egret colonies, tidal flat birding, migratory birds China, bird photography Guangdong

Author’s Tip: Restaurants in the market square fill up fast between 12:00–13:30. Arrive before 11:30 for a table without a wait, or after 14:00 when the lunch rush has cleared.

Author’s Warning: Menu prices at tourist-facing restaurants near the main square are typically 40–60% higher than at establishments 2–3 blocks away. Always ask for the local price before ordering.

Real Visitor Voice: “We ordered the signature dish and a beer for under ¥60 total — the same meal would have cost triple at the restaurant with the English sign out front.” — Jenny L., Toronto

Author’s Tip: Learn to recognize the characters for the dish you want — pointing and nodding works, but miscommunication can lead to unexpectedly spicy or sour results.