Caspian terns gather at Xinglin Bay in SE China's Xiamen

Flocks of Caspian terns, a bird species on China's list of terrestrial wild animals of important ecological, scientific and social value, gather in the waters of Xinglin Bay in Jimei district, Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Bo)

In recent days, large flocks of Caspian terns, a bird species on China's list of terrestrial wild animals of important ecological, scientific and social value, have been spotted in the waters of Xinglin Bay in Jimei district, Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province.

At times, they swoop low over the surface; at others, they dive in to catch fish. Their synchronized flight rolls like silver waves across the bay, making for a striking sight along the waterfront.

Caspian terns are characterized by their bright red, robust bills and agile flight. They primarily feed on fish and prefer habitats along coasts, estuaries and large freshwater wetlands.

Flocks of Caspian terns are most active during morning and evening tides, circling low over the bay and diving to catch fish.

Flocks of Caspian terns, a bird species on China's list of terrestrial wild animals of important ecological, scientific and social value, are seen flying against the backdrop of distinctive urban buildings at Xinglin Bay in Jimei district, Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Bo)

Against the backdrop of the Xiamen Horticulture Expo Garden, waterfront walking paths and distinctive urban buildings, these scenes showcase the harmonious coexistence of urban life and nature.

The continued improvement of Xiamen's ecological environment has enriched local biodiversity, providing high-quality habitats and abundant food resources for migratory birds during their wintering and transit periods.

Every year from October to March, large numbers of waterbirds congregate in Xiamen, with spring marking the prime birdwatching season. Xinglin Bay has emerged as a popular observation site.

A Caspian tern, a bird species on China's list of terrestrial wild animals of important ecological, scientific and social value, flies over Xinglin Bay in Jimei district, Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Bo)

Clear waters and green shores set the scene at Xinglin Bay in Jimei district, Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, where Caspian terns gather in spectacular numbers. (People's Daily Online/Chen Bo)

Caspian terns, a bird species on China's list of terrestrial wild animals of important ecological, scientific and social value, rest on a sandbank in Xinglin Bay, Jimei district, Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Bo)

A flock of birds takes off from an embankment in Xinglin Bay, Jimei district, Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Bo)

A large flock of Caspian terns, a bird species on China's list of terrestrial wild animals of important ecological, scientific and social value, is seen taking off from Xinglin Bay in Jimei district, Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Bo)

Caspian terns, a bird species on China's list of terrestrial wild animals of important ecological, scientific and social value, are seen frolicking with each other at Xinglin Bay in Jimei district, Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Bo)