Over 100 whiskered terns were recently observed at a rice-shrimp co-cultivation farm in Pantuo Village, Taimei Town, marking the first recorded inland sighting in Huizhou.
The birds were seen flying low over paddy fields, skimming the water to catch small fish, shrimp, and aquatic insects. May is a peak migration period for summer visitors, and the flock was on a stopover when spotted.
The whiskered tern is a protected wild bird species in China. It breeds in northern regions such as Northeast China and parts of Russia, and migrates through Southeast Asia.
Experts said it is rare to see such a large flock in inland Huizhou, as the species is usually found in coastal habitats. The rice-shrimp co-cultivation system in Pantuo Village, near the Dongjiang River, creates a wetland-like habitat rich in food resources, serving as a stopover site for migratory birds.
Local forestry authorities said Huizhou's improving ecological conditions have made it an important migratory corridor, with increasing records of protected bird species in recent years, such as oriental storks, black-faced spoonbills and white-eared night heron.
Author | Huang Xinying
Photo | Huizhou Fabu
