A spoon-billed sandpiper. [Photo/Xu Xiucong]

In a recent waterfowl survey conducted by Zhang Yongpu's team from Wenzhou University in the reclaimed area of Wenzhou Bay, a remarkable discovery was made - a spoon-billed sandpiper, which is classified as globally endangered.

The photos taken at the scene revealed a leg ring bearing the distinct black English letters "YE". Upon further inquiry, it was revealed that the sandpiper was ringed in Russia in 2017 when it was still young.

The spoon-billed sandpiper is a long-distance migratory bird which transits the East Asia-Australasia Flyway as well as a nationally protected wild animal recognized as one of the most critically endangered and rarest bird species in the world.

Breeding mainly occurs in the tundra areas of the Chukotka Peninsula in northeastern Siberia, Russia, from May to July each year, followed by migration southward along the East Asia-Australasia Flyway to wintering areas in Southeast Asia, including various locations in China such as Weitou Bay in Quanzhou, Fujian province.

Wenzhou's location along the East Asia-Australasia Flyway has historically made it a vital stopover for migratory birds. However, sightings of spoon-billed sandpipers in Wenzhou Bay have become increasingly rare since 2014 due to environmental changes. Over the past decade, only three confirmed sightings, including the recent one, have been recorded.

The survey conducted by the team from Wenzhou University not only sheds light on the current status of waterfowl populations in southern Zhejiang province but also provides valuable insights for biodiversity conservation efforts in the region.

Editor: Xu Zhitian