Bird conservationist Jin Weiguo has dedicated 26 years of his life to protecting the diverse species that inhabit the Chongming Dongtan Bird National Nature Reserve in Shanghai. This summer, his efforts were recognized when the wetland reserve was named Shanghai’s first World Heritage Site. The reserve was one of five sites added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List on July 26, under the designation of “Migratory Bird Sanctuaries Along the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China.”
Jin, a man in his mid-60s, has played a significant role in the development of the reserve. Armed with his bamboo bird whistle, a cultural heritage item in China, he has assisted in capturing tens of thousands of migratory birds for tagging, providing vital data for researchers and conservation organizations. Despite his important work, Jin was not present at the reserve on the day of the UNESCO announcement. He learned of the news later through the media, expressing his relief that the site would now be protected.
Jin’s daily routine at the Dongtan reserve begins just after dawn, as he sets out to carry out his bird conservation work. With a large net, rope, bamboo poles, decoy birds, and his trusty whistle in tow, he prepares to capture and tag migratory birds for research purposes. Using his whistle, Jin can mimic the calls of over 30 bird species, luring them closer to the decoys before springing his trap. The captured birds are banded with tags to track their migratory patterns before being released back into the wild.
Growing up on Chongming Island, Jin learned the art of bird whistling from his father and grandfather at a young age. Initially using his skills for hunting and selling birds, Jin eventually transitioned to conservation work when bird hunting was banned in the same year the Dongtan reserve was established. Over the years, he has become an official inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of bamboo bird whistling, using his expertise to contribute to wildlife protection efforts.
Despite the challenges and hardships he faced in the early days of the reserve’s establishment, Jin’s dedication to bird conservation has never wavered. He recalls staying on the wetland for weeks at a time, enduring harsh conditions and dark nights. Over time, his efforts have paid off, as he has seen the impact of his work in understanding the migratory patterns of birds and contributing valuable data to the global conservation community.
Subheadings
Preserving a Tradition: The Art of Bird Whistling
Jin’s Legacy: Training the Next Generation
Challenges and Triumphs: A Lifetime of Bird Conservation
Jin’s work as a bird warden officially began in 2004, and he continues to volunteer his services on the mudflats of the Dongtan reserve even in retirement. He remains committed to his role until he is no longer able to blow his whistle, passing on his knowledge and skills to three apprentices this year. Jin emphasizes the importance of preserving the art of bird whistling, highlighting its effectiveness in capturing birds for research purposes.
As Jin reflects on his career and the changes he has witnessed in the migratory bird populations, he takes pride in the impact of his work. He recalls instances of spotting Dongtan-tagged birds in other countries, demonstrating the interconnectedness of bird habitats across the globe. With a sense of fulfillment, Jin looks towards the future, knowing that the Dongtan reserve’s inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List secures its protection for generations to come.