I recently was in Xiamen, China on business and had the opportunity to make a search for the rare Chinese Crested Tern in nearby Fuzhou. This is a rather under birded site – most likely to the difficulties of access – but one that was quite worthwhile, if not only for the terns, but for the good numbers of other species that can be found there. But a warning in advance for anyone considering this trip: It is not an easy trip. You will get wet. You will get muddy. The possibility of sandfly and mosquito bites is not unheard of. But you will also see some great birds. You will end the day exhausted, but happy.
I organized the trip with the help and guiding services of Lin Chen, who goes by the name of Forest (the family name Lin means forest). He’s a member of the Fujian Birdwatching Society and guides to this site and others in the Fuzhou area. He’s very interested in conservation of the remaining habit in Fujian and is very conscientious, plus his English is good. His email is chinesecrestedtern@qq.com and his cell number is 137-9937-0893.
Forest organizes everything for the day, including transportation, access to the area, a boatman to the site, a scope for viewing the birds, footwear, and a couple souvenirs. The cost was 900 RMB (about 130 USD). You are on your own for lunch, but Forest will stop in the nearby city to shop for food or snacks on the morning of the visit. I highly recommend his services.