John,
It's very interesting to read your report of a trip to the same destination in those difficult old days. Thank you. It seems that Poyang or Wucheng didn't change much since your visit 22 years ago; most of the bird species were still there. Meanwhile, Great Bustard is still on my 'wish list' , perhaps I need to visit Poyang Lake for the 3rd time to check my luck. According to our boatman, he didn't see this big bird for 2 years already.
Happy New Year!
Paul