A bird watcher saw people landing on an uninhabited island in southern Hong Kong waters known to be a regular breeding site for terns during mainland China’s Labour Day “golden week” holiday, according to a green group.
Terns mainly feed on small fish and aerial insects. While about 40 species exist globally, 12 have been recorded in Hong Kong. Three species breed on Hong Kong’s outlying rocky islands during the summer, with one near Po Toi Island.
On the second day of the holiday, a bird watcher saw five people on the island unloading backpacks and other items, according to an online post by non-profit Green Hope Hong Kong. It was not immediately clear who they were.
“These birds are extremely sensitive by nature; if disturbed, they may abandon their nests. Once they abandon their breeding grounds on the island, it is very difficult for them to return in the future,” the post said.
“We urge boat operators and tourists to avoid picking up visitors for transport to, or landing on, these tern breeding islands during the ecologically sensitive period.”
Terns come regularly to breed on small and remote rocky islands in eastern and southern Hong Kong waters, according to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).
