By Jin Lu

At Zhutie Dunyu, part of the Jiushan Islands National Nature Reserve, the Chinese crested tern has entered a critical breeding phase. Often dubbed the "mythical bird" in China, the species is classified under first-class national protection and has a global population of just around 200. The Jiushan Islands represent its largest known breeding site, where it nests alongside greater crested terns.

Since 2017, the reserve has recruited volunteers each year during the April-August breeding season to live on the islands and monitor tern activity. This year, five volunteers were selected from a pool of more than 6,000 applicants. The first group—Wei Yuning, Zhang Lijun, and Wang Yuqi—began their work in late April on Jigushan Island, conducting round-the-clock monitoring both on-site and via remote equipment.

As of June, around 2,000 greater crested terns and 800-1,000 nests have been recorded on Zhutie Dunyu. Five Chinese crested tern chicks have hatched, while another clutch is still under incubation.

On June 25, the second team—Zhao Ziyan, 20, from Beijing, and Zhu Xiuhe, 18, from Shanghai—arrived to continue the work under expert supervision. Despite being the youngest members of the group, both bring years of birdwatching experience and are now pursuing degrees in biology and animal science, respectively.

Living conditions on the island are challenging, with no air conditioning, an unstable power supply, and plenty of mosquitoes, as well as the occasional snake. But the volunteers take it all in stride. On their first day, they spotted a particularly endearing chick, easily recognized by its refusal to leave its brick perch except when food is involved. With its quirky habits and distinctive look, it quickly became a favorite subject of observation

"Inconveniences aside, we're ready for this challenge and the wonder that comes with it,"the volunteers said.