Li Dongming’s Decade-Long Quest to Protect China’s Migratory Birds

Li Dongming has spent over a decade immersed in the marshlands of Tiaozini Wetland in east China’s Jiangsu Province. Armed with his camera and binoculars, he dedicates more than 300 days each year to safeguarding migratory birds.

From dawn till dusk, Li treks through grueling tidal flats, tracking the elusive spoon-billed sandpipers and documenting their perilous journeys. These rare birds rely on the wetland as a crucial stopover during their migration, and Li’s work is vital to their survival.

“As long as I can carry my equipment, I’ll keep going,” Li says, reflecting on his commitment to wildlife conservation. His passion not only preserves these species but also inspires others to appreciate and protect the natural world.