A Day of Qinghai Lake Bird observer

At 7 O'clock in the morning of April 29, 2014, two staff members of the Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve Bureau stepped on the Cormorant Island of Qinghai Lake in northwest China's Qinghai Province, monitoring birds with video and camera. A working day has begun.
 
"Three hundred Cormorants," said Sun Jianqing, the 37-year-old working staff to his recorder and colleague Zhang Hu. The number is calculated based on his long time working experience.
 
Sun Jianqing comes from Xining, capital of Qinghai province. He came to the Bird Island Nature Reserve of Qinghai Lake in April of 2007, engaging in wildlife conservation and management.
 
Sky-blue uniform, telescope, telephoto camera and GPS are the necessities for bird observer. Of course, a partner is also indispensable. They take turns to observe birds and record data.
 
"We mainly monitor the bird's number, variety, habitat and foraging, and then put these data into the electronic system to form a database, facilitating scientific research for everybody," said Sun Jianqing.
 
It was rather windy that day, the observers were shivering with cold even wearing windproof work clothes, but they said the area is much better than wetland. "The wetland has many swamps. It seems plants growing on the ground, but people will sink when stepping on the wetland," said Zhanghu, "We have a knack that it will be safe when walking on the places where Mount Tianshan Primula malacoides grow."
 
Having monitored more than half an hour, they get normal data of the four known species of birds in the Cormorant Island. Sun Jianqing said: "It is the best without exception. Once the data index changes, we will deal with them in time and provide the birds most effective protection."
 
Near 8 o'clock, the observe team begun to return to the conservation station, logging data and watching the information recorded by camera.
 
The working staff on the land always said they are enjoying nature while working and enjoying working in the nature. When watching the birds growing healthily, they know their work has been confirmed.
 
Sun Jianqing said: "Maybe you won’t know what my job brings me. Every March and October, the birds' joy and courage to tramp over hill and dale and defense enemies always inspire me. As long as they live healthily on the island, my each day is meaningful."