The Ecological Certification Behind the “Migratory Birds” Appointment

Every October, as cold Siberian currents sweep southward, countless wings arrive on time across Shandong. At the Yellow River's estuary, scenes of "bird waves transforming into giant kun, mythical leviathans" go viral online; crested ibises travel thousands of miles to settle here; and the first wintering migratory birds land at Dongming's Yellow River wetlands in Heze.

How has Shandong transformed these birds from mere passersby into permanent residents?

This ecological trust stems from sustained efforts to give nature space to thrive. In the Yellow River Delta, 72,500 mu (about 4,830 hectares) of farmland have been restored to wetlands and aquaculture areas returned to natural shores, reviving water systems and vegetation — turning saline, barren lands into a crucial stopover along East Asia's bird migration route. In Boxing, sand control measures have transformed wastelands into bird paradises.

Dongping Lake removed 126,000 mu of fish cage enclosures, enabling national first-class protected species to return where they were once absent. The Nansi Lake project converted fishing zones back into wetlands, allowing rare species like the Baer's pochard and reed parrotbill to breed steadily. In Dongming, farmland restoration and ecological water replenishment have raised wetland coverage to 77.6%, turning once-sandy wastelands into thriving bird sanctuaries.

Beyond habitat creation lies meticulous management. Over 12,000 anti-bird covers have been installed on transmission towers in the Yellow River Delta, ensuring both bird protection and power supply safety. In Rongcheng, the population of whooper swans has grown from over 2,000 to more than 10,000, thanks to underground power lines, lake cleanliness campaigns, and 24-hour rescue stations. Dongming combines technology with human monitoring, using high-definition surveillance and regular patrols.

Across the province, laws have been strengthened, a four-tier grid system established, and multi-departmental special operations launched, including 52 disease-monitoring stations and 133 monitoring units. Shandong is now home to 515 bird species. The total population of six categories of critically endangered bird species has reached 935 individuals, and the Yellow River estuary has been inscribed as a World Natural Heritage site.

At a deeper level, this transformation reflects a growing public awareness of ecological civilization. In Weihai, seagulls accompany citizens on their walks; in Rizhao, birds calmly coexist with tourists. Birdwatching has become a mainstream leisure activity, while maintaining a respectful distance and refusing to feed wild birds has become widely accepted. Grassroots initiatives actively contribute, building a strong social foundation for environmental conservation.

"The health of the ecosystem is best judged by the birds." These flocks of migrating birds are Shandong's most valuable ecological certification.

大众网记者 梁永琪 菏泽报道

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