When the winter sun shines upon the vast reed beds of Chongming Dongtan, this "bird paradise" at the Yangtze River estuary once again welcomes guests from afar. Recently, monitoring staff at the Chongming Dongtan Reserve recorded 18 Dalmatian Pelicans, a nationally first-class protected wild animal in China and a globally near-threatened species.

Even more exciting is that one of these Dalmatian Pelicans wears a band on its leg from Mongolia. It has been confirmed that this individual, with a color band (yellow background, black code) marked N171, was banded at Khar Us Lake in Mongolia on August 12, 2020, by Nyambayar Batbayar.

From the Mongolian Plateau to the shores of the East China Sea, it has traced a borderless lifeline with its wings.

Why is this ‘national treasure’ bird so precious?

The Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) can be called a "gentle giant" among birds. They are massive, with a wingspan easily exceeding 3 meters. In flight, they resemble small gliders, moving with calm, powerful grace. Their grey-white plumage, shaggy crest, and iconic large throat pouch make them unforgettable.

The global population of Dalmatian Pelicans is estimated at only 11,400-13,400 individuals. They are primarily distributed in the Black Sea/Mediterranean and Central Asian flyways. The population within the East Asian-Australasian Flyway is extremely scarce, estimated at merely around 150 birds.

They have very high requirements for their habitat and are considered a "flagship species" for wetland ecosystems. Due to historical habitat loss, water pollution, and human disturbance, their global numbers are low, making every individual sighting particularly valuable.

From occasional visitor to regular guest? A shared hope

This record is not only precious scientific data but also acts like a puzzle piece, closely linking the Mongolian Plateau with the East China Sea coast. It also highlights China's increasingly important conservation role along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

The visit of 18 Dalmatian Pelicans is not the first in Dongtan's history. However, the stable appearance of a group this size suggests that Dongtan is becoming an increasingly reliable stopover on their migratory journey.

The sight of a Dalmatian Pelican spreading its immense wings is more than just a scenic view; it is a measure of the distance we have yet to travel in achieving harmonious coexistence with nature. Let us cherish this trust, protect these wetlands, and hope that in the future, against the dawn light at Dongtan, we may encounter more of these majestic "sails in the sky."