Influx of rare water birds creates challenge

Similar disputes over protection of nesting birds' habitats occurred elsewhere in the city, such as at Beitaizi Lake, where a number of nests of gray-winged gulls were found in late June. "More than 100 nests were among the water plants, occupying half of the lake's area," said Yan.

After discussions with multiple departments, the association put forward a solution. It proposed volunteers observe water birds and their nests at about 70 spots across the city and report the situation so that the water plants could remain while the birds are hatched.

The association identified 19 nesting and gathering sites for water birds at which culling of the aquatic plants was agreed to be delayed.

"We rescheduled waterweed harvesting times to avoid the breeding period of water birds," said Liu Ai, director of the bureau's wildlife and wetland protection department

"We also avoided using machines. Instead, workers were instructed to temporarily suspend harvesting in areas where nests are found until the water bird chicks have hatched."

Liu said in the past, there was no such problem as water birds were rarely seen at the lakes. As the water quality of the lakes had improved, the number of water birds breeding there also increased, she said.

"Wuhan is an international wetland city. Water birds are indicative species of wetland environmental quality, and an important component of biodiversity," she said, adding that both the government and associations have worked to observe and protect birds.

Yan said the species and number of migratory birds visiting and breeding in Wuhan had seen significant growth this year. "Refined management of the city provides a safer space for birds so that they can live in harmony with humans for a long time. It will, in return, improve the city's landscape," he said.