By Peng Junjun
Recently, good news came from Jiangsu Nantong Environmental Monitoring Center —— the ‘mythical bird’ Chinese Crested Tern (Thalasseus bernsteini) was observed again. It was the second time that the species was recorded in Qidong. It was also a breakthrough in ground-based photography.
Chinese Crested Tern is a globally critically endangered bird species. It is listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). The global population is only about 200. Because of its rarity and elusive nature, it is hailed as the ‘mythical bird’.
The relationship between Qidong and the Chinese Crested Tern started on 3rd August 2024. On that day, the observation team took a photo of the species in the air above Yuantuojiao, and inferred that it was migrating and passing by. This time, it was not only a second encounter, but also a clear record of the individuals on the ground, especially the appearance of young birds. It provided more valuable first-hand data for studying their migration routes and resting habits.