Thousands of terns are dancing in the sky—Encounter "mythical birds" while enjoying birdwatching in Matsu

▲The critically endangered Chinese crested tern, known as the "mythical bird," was once thought to be extinct worldwide but was spotted in Matsu several years ago. (Photo provided by Matsu National Scenic Area Administration)

Reported by Chen Ziying / Comprehensive report

Summer is the liveliest season in Matsu, famous for the dreamlike "blue tears" and flocks of migratory birds. Every year, thousands of terns appear across the Matsu Archipelago, and even the "mythical bird"—the Chinese crested tern, once believed to be extinct—is spotted, thrilling both travelers and birdwatching enthusiasts. The annual "2015 Ecological Tern-Watching and Sea Tour of Matsu" event will officially set sail from Fu’ao Wharf in Nangan on July 1.

According to the Matsu National Scenic Area Administration under the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the "2015 Ecological Tern-Watching and Sea Tour of Matsu" offers views of the area’s unique sea-eroded landscapes, the "Mediterranean of Matsu" at Qimei Village, and a cruise around the tern sanctuaries on Tiejian Islet and Zhong Islet in Beigan, allowing visitors to observe tern ecology from different perspectives.

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▲The Matsu tern-watching tour offers spectacular views of flocks of terns soaring together. (Photo by reporter Chen Ziying)

According to reports from the Matsu Daily, this year’s observations have identified eight Chinese crested terns on Tiejian Islet so far, along with approximately 2,100 other species such as greater crested terns, bridled terns, and sooty terns. According to statistics from Lienchiang County Government, an estimated several thousand crested terns nested on Tiejian Islet in 2013, with about two-thirds of that number in 2014. Additionally, sooty terns and bridled terns inhabit Zhong Islet. Migratory birds are currently arriving successively at various uninhabited islands in the Matsu region, and lucky visitors may even spot the "mythical bird"—the Chinese crested tern.

2015 Ecological Tern-Watching and Sea Tour of Matsu
Event Period: July 1 – August 31, departing every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Departure times depend on weather and sea conditions. Each voyage lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Event Content: Onboard guides first introduce different migratory bird species and their characteristics through images. At a distance of 100 meters from the tern sanctuaries, visitors can use binoculars to observe the terns. On the return route, explanations about Matsu’s unique sea-eroded landforms, traditional Eastern Min-style architecture, and villages are provided.
Event Registration: Report to the passenger service counter in the Fu’ao Harbor waiting lounge in Nangan at 9:00 AM (on-site registration and payment accepted, or call Long Fu Travel Agency at 0836-55661). Each voyage accommodates a maximum of 45 people, and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Event Fee: NT$250 per person