At the Binzhou Nature Reserve in eastern China, observers recorded an unusually large flock — 56 curly pelicans (Pelecanus crispus). This is the largest single count in the entire history of local monitoring and roughly a third of the known East Asian population of the species.
The curly pelican is a large bird with a wingspan of more than three metres and a distinctive "curl" on its head. It is demanding about water quality and an abundance of fish, so its appearance in large numbers serves as a living indicator of the state of wetlands. According to monitoring data, in 2024, 15 were seen here, then 25 individuals, and now as many as 56 at once. The growth in bird numbers coincides with years of efforts to restore the marshes and create safe stopovers along the migration route.
The East Asian population of the curly pelican remains extremely small and vulnerable. The species is listed as vulnerable on international lists, and the eastern branch is especially sensitive to marsh drainage, pollution and poaching. The appearance of such a flock in one place shows that protected areas really do work: the birds find food and rest here during the autumn migration.
Binzhou is located on a key section of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. In recent years, the local national nature reserve "Shell Ridge and Marshes" has been actively expanding protected zones, restoring vegetation and strengthening patrols. Thanks to these measures, the number of pelicans recorded is growing year after year, and other waterfowl are returning along with them.
For local ornithologists and volunteers, such an arrival is not just a figure in a report. It is confirmation that the joint efforts of the state, scientists and the public can give rare species a chance at survival. Pelicans, like a living barometer, show that when people stop destroying and begin restoring, nature responds with trust.
Now, at the height of the autumn migration, additional observation points have been opened in Binzhou and control over the birds' safety has been strengthened. Behind this lies not only concern for a particular species, but also an understanding: healthy marshes mean clean water, rich fish stocks and resilient ecosystems on which thousands of other animals and, ultimately, people depend.
