Each spring, a stretch of the Yellow River near Maqu County in southern Gansu Province, Chinese mainland, transforms into a bustling bird nursery. Locals lovingly call this 2-kilometer sandbar “duck egg island.”
Once threatened by erosion and low water levels, the island has made a remarkable comeback thanks to targeted river restoration and sustainable water management. Recent wildlife surveys report nearly 10,000 migratory birds—bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks and more—choosing this sanctuary to nest and raise their chicks.
“Watching the first flocks arrive is like witnessing nature’s grand reopening,” says Zhang Li, a local conservation officer. Over the past decade, bird numbers here have grown by 40%, highlighting the power of community-led conservation efforts.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and eco-travelers alike, duck egg island offers more than a wildlife spectacle. It’s a data-driven case study in how sustainable practices can revive fragile ecosystems and support biodiversity corridors that span continents.
Whether you’re tracking climate-smart innovations, planning your next adventure or simply looking for a weekly dose of wonder, keep an eye on this corner of the Yellow River. It reminds us that protecting nature is a shared journey—one that flows far beyond any single shore.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
