Birdsong on campus: A 18-year journey of ZJU’s collective commitment to biodiversity

At Zhejiang University's Zijingang Campus, birdsong is more than background music—it's a call to action. For 18 years, a dedicated group of students has been observing, recording, and protecting avian life through the Birdwatching and Bird Rescue Teams of Green Origin Association. Their work not only contributes to biodiversity research, but also inspires a broader awareness of environmental stewardship on campus and beyond.

Black swans on Zijingang Campus

A Growing Record of Campus Bird Species

The Birdwatching Team of ZJU Green Origin Association (GOA) was founded in 2007. Since then, its members have cataloged a total of 255 bird species on Zijingang Campus, including 18 new records in 2024 alone. Among these were five species under second-class national protection, such as the crested serpent eagle, cotton pygmy goose and collared scops owl.

A recent sighting of a female silver pheasant near the Lin Qi Statue at the Qiushi Great Hall sparked excitement among students. "This is the first time we've seen a silver pheasant here," said ZHUANG Yu ('27, plant protection). "It's a new addition to our growing list."

From the first recorded sighting in 2007—a night heron spotted by then-student GAO Shan—the group has grown steadily in both size and scope. They are now actively participate in various birdwatching events, incluiding many inter-university birdwatching camps across China. and recorded 85 species during the 2024 Beihu Bird Race alone.

"The environment here is so rich that a university campus like Zijingang can support this many bird species, offering bird lovers like us a true visual feast." noted GE Youyou, a student in preventive medicine. "It's also given us a deeper appreciation for the diversity and vitality of life."

Birdwatching

Birds spotted on campus

From Birdwatching to Rescue: Expanding the Mission

ZJUers went beyond birdwatching to take on active roles in wildlife protection. Student organizations—including the ZJU Animal Protector Association, the ZJU Eco Club and the GOA Bird Rescue Team—have played key roles in campus bird conservation.

The GOA Bird Rescue Team alone has responded to over 370 rescue cases since its founding in 2020, including 323 wild birds and 47 pet birds."Rescuing birds isn't just about helping them fly again—it's about reminding people to care for the lives around us," said LUO Xinyue ('27, Ecology), leader of the bird rescue team.

Team members provide quiet, stress-free environments for injured birds, administering hydration, nutrition, and monitoring their recovery. For fallen nestlings, they often build artificial nests and observe whether parent birds return. If not, the team steps in with hand-feeding, wild training, and eventual release.

With glass architecture posing increasing dangers to birds, students have initiated the placement of anti-collision window films on campus buildings to prevent bird strikes. "We may have limited strength, but we try to help every wing return to the sky," emphasized another team member.

Installation of bird safety window films

A Community United for Biodiversity

ZJU's bird conservation efforts extend beyond student groups. From a security guard Mr. LU caring for an injured black swan at the Haining International Campus, to joint efforts by professors and students to rescue an Asian barred owlet, ZJUers have integrated environmental care into their daily lives.

External partners also play a vital role. The Zhejiang Museum of Natural History offers guidance on species identification and taxonomy, while various NGOs provide expert support and funding.

ZJU’s Green Origin team also maintains close ties with environmental organizations at other universities, sharing best practices in biodiversity monitoring, data management, and public education.

"Our shared commitment gives us strength to continue," said SU Jingjing, a sociology student and director of Green Origin Association's Bird Section. "We hope more people will join us in protecting nature’s creatures and building a more eco-friendly campus."

Mr. LU and the healed black swan

Adapted and translated from the article by LIN Qianxu

Photo: GOA, ZJU Eco Club, ZJU International Campus and ZJU Official Wechat

Editor: HE Jiawen