British ornithologist spots spoon-billed sandpiper in Leizhou

A spoon-billed sandpiper is found scrounging for food on the beach. [Photo/Zhanjiang Daily]

Martin Williams, a world-renowned British ornithologist living in Hong Kong, has recently observed a spoon-billed sandpiper and two Saunders's gulls in Leizhou Peninsula, Zhanjiang.

Dr. William's strong interest in wildlife and conservation has led him to write numerous articles for such publications as BBC Wildlife, National Wildlife, Reader's Digest, and South China Morning Post.

He had previously made great contributions in establishing Beidaihe in Qinhuangdao, Hebei province as a birdwatching hotspot by publishing papers related to local natural resources and organizing birdwatching tours from Europe and America.

Dr. William learned from Hong Kong Birding Watching Society that Leizhou had found 43 spoon-billed sandpipers at the beginning of 2016, which is almost one tenth of its total population. This is what attracted him to the city in hoping of finding one himself.

The spoon-billed sandpiper is a small wader that was added to the red list of threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2012 due to its rapidly decreasing numbers over the past 50 years. As of October 2016, it was estimated that there were only 200 to 400 specimens left in the world.

When asked about his feelings, Dr. William made no secret of his excitement and said that:" I am ecstatic at these findings, the Chinese people and bureaucracy are truly amazing and helpful! Leizhou is so lucky to have these birds!" He hoped that more people will learn about the city and bird through his publicity.

The spoon-billed sandpiper is a small wader that is added to the red list of threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2012. [Photo/Zhanjiang Daily]