Ten-Year Protection of Critically Endangered Seabirds

Every April volunteers arrive on the Jiushan Islands in Ningbo’s Xiangshan county to protect the Chinese crested terns (Thalasseus bernsteini). Thanks to the Chinese crested tern’s attraction and restoration monitoring project that commenced in 2013, a global observation record was set in 2022 when 93 Chinese crested terns were spotted simultaneously along the islands’ National Nature Reserve. This “Bird of Legend” – close to extinction for over half a century – has now been saved from endangerment.

This April, photographer Yang Zhonghua is preparing to visit the islands with high hopes for the continued preservation of the birds. Since 2014, Yang―then president of the Xiangshan County Photographers Association―has filmed the recovery of this once-endangered species.

Included below is his autobiography:

I came to the islands in the second year of the restoration project, before which I had heard many legends of Chinese crested terns. I learnt that the earliest specimen was discovered in 1861, and their last appearance in China in the last century was in 1937. Afterwards, these near-extinct seabirds hadn’t been spotted for 63 years until they reappeared in 2000. The year of 2004 saw their appearance on Xiangshan Jiushan Islands; after having searched more than 70 islands of all sizes, researchers finally found over 20 Chinese crested terns among 4,000 greater crested terns.

Greater crested terns are hovering around the island. (Photo by Yang Zhonghua)

On my first day on the islands ten years later, I was instantly stunned by the magnificent view of greater crested tern flocks and a few Chinese crested terns soaring through the sky. Volunteer bird protectors revealed to me that the two species of terns are quite similar in appearance, but the Chinese crested tern—with a slightly larger body—has a yellow bill with a black tip.

I was intrigued at the time: How did you distinguish Chinese crested terns from thousands of other terns with tiny differences? It was revealed that initially, they relied primarily on perseverant and patient observations to make such discernment. Thereafter, we concentrated on bird banding, which involves affixing leg bands to fledglings and later releasing them in order to monitor the bird population.

The leg bands will impose no negative effects on the birds. In fact, everything the researchers and volunteers do on the islands is implemented with great care to avoid disturbing the birds. Initially, people lived in tents for several years before constructing any facilities. Once the birds had acclimatized to the presence of humans, wooden buildings were gradually constructed in the reserve. Over the past two years, prefabricated container houses, solar panels, and white water-storage equipment have been installed. As the birds become accustomed to humans, human living conditions can improve as a result.

Nests of the terns are usually built on the exposed rocks at the islands' edge, where the terrain is steep and the eggs tend to roll off. The volunteers leveled a field, which was weeded on a regular basis and covered with stones as well as carpets to make nests much safer and more comfortable. Prior to 2013, the Chinese crested terns were on the verge of extinction caused by typhoons and egg snatchers. Now that the entire islands are under protection, no one is stealing eggs now; in the case of strong winds and snakes, 24-hour supervision is however required. On a couple of tranquil nights, I sat by the sea with the volunteers, watching this group of birds. Beyond the islands, everything has faded into the distance. These unique animals and we humans are nothing significant but a speck of dust in this world, alone but unrestrained, defenseless but tenacious. Every unique existence deserves to be respected.

This underlying philosophy, I believe, is why volunteers from all over the world come to protect this special species without complaint. This spring, migratory birds are returning to the islands, where they will breed. I am also ready to land on the islands and celebrate the start of a new life circle.

Reporter：Fan Zhuojing

Correspondent: Ding Peng

Compiled and translated by Mei Jie

Proofreaders: Huang Dawang, Lu Yuchen, Jason Mowbray