Heartbreaking news: Human landings causing damage? Amoy terns on Matsu may "abandon nests," leaving behind chicks

Reported by Chen Ziying / Taipei

The amoy tern ecology of Matsu has always been the most beautiful summer scenery and the gentlest beloved visitor.When a reporter visited Matsu at the end of June, they witnessed firsthand the breathtaking sight of nearly a thousand terns dancing in groups on Tiejian Island.Among them was the Chinese crested tern, known as the "bird of myth."But recently, there have been reports that due to human landings, the terns were frightened and may have collectively abandoned their nests. Tiejian Island, which used to host the largest gatherings of Chinese crested terns, now has only a handful of adult terns left, with flightless chicks left behind in place. The bird situation at the beginning of the month compared to now is truly lamentable.

 

▲ The terns that used to be everywhere can no longer be seen in the abundance witnessed at the end of June. (Photo / Top photo by reporter Chen Ziying; bottom photo provided by Wang Shuqin)

Wang Shuqin, the owner of Longfu Travel Agency with over a decade of experience observing terns, said, "It can only be described as heartbreaking!"Wang Shuqin stated that in the past, Tiejian Island and Baimiao were the places with the most tern gatherings, with the Chinese crested tern being the most numerous. However, starting from July 29, there have been reports of people landing on the islands, especially on Tiejian Island where the terns have become extremely skittish. Wang Shuqin said, "In the past two days, the adult Chinese crested terns have almost completely disappeared, leaving only flightless chicks with nowhere to go. Occasionally, you might see a few adults flying back to briefly stay near the chicks, but they leave again in less than ten seconds, repeating this action over and over."Wang Shuqin emphasized, "If the adults weren’t frightened, they would definitely stay with their chicks."

 
▲ The Chinese crested terns, which used to stay close to their chicks, now leave them alone on the rocks. A similar situation has also been observed on the flatter rocks of Baimiao. (Photo / Provided by Wang Shuqin)

Matsu’s tern-watching season runs from July to September. Every year starting in May, the Lienchiang County Government announces a ban on landing on protected islands and prohibits boats from approaching within 100 meters of the islands. It is understood that in July this year, a large number of Chinese crested terns were observed nesting on Tiejian Island, numbering between 2,000 and 3,000, indicating a healthy bird population. However, there have been reports that the Construction Bureau approved a birdwatching association to land on the island. Wang Shuqin expressed outrage, saying, "August is precisely the time when the chicks are learning to fly. Even if the government wants to conduct research, they must consider the timing, location, and method, with the top priority being not to startle the birds. This kind of attitude where only officials are allowed to take action while the public is restricted is truly unacceptable." Wang Shuqin explained that the ban on landing on the islands was originally put in place because terns are extremely easily startled, and such actions pose a significant threat to the birds. If the terns do indeed abandon their nests, the flightless chicks could very likely starve to death.

Mr. Lin, an official from the Forestry Management Section of the Construction Bureau of Lienchiang County Government, stated that this year the areas with the most observed tern nests are Tiejian Island and Baimiao, with Baimiao having the highest number of terns after July. Regarding accusations that landings have affected the birds,Mr. Lin explained, "To observe the migratory routes of the terns, banding activities are indeed being carried out, which involve attaching tags to the chicks’ legs. However, all landings are conducted in the least intrusive manner possible." Mr. Lin stated that the overall number of terns has not decreased, and all landings have been approved by relevant government units and the Forestry Bureau, dismissing claims that the terns were scared into abandoning their nests as baseless.