Competition highlighting avian melodies sparks environmental consciousness within the urban landscape of Hong Kong

In a celebration of avian diversity and wildlife conservation, Hong Kong hosted its first-ever bird call contest on Saturday. The event, organised by the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, saw participants imitating the calls of various species, including the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, koel, brown fish owl, Asian barred owlet, and yellow-crested cockatoo.

Among the contestants, Bob Chan stood out, winning with his impressive imitation of the Eurasian Tree Sparrow. This common urban dweller is just one of the many bird species that find a home in Hong Kong's varied habitats – wetlands, forests, shrublands, and coastal areas.

The preservation of these habitats, particularly wetlands, is a significant concern for the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society and environmentalists. With the announcement of a mega-development plan in the city's north, fears have been raised about the potential reduction of these vital wetland areas.

Tom Li, the assistant research manager at the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, emphasized the importance of preserving bird habitats like wetlands over the next 10 to 20 years. He stated that this is crucial for maintaining biodiversity in Hong Kong, a city that boasts more than 580 types of birds, about a third of China's total species.

The East Asian-Australasian Flyway, a key factor in the bird diversity found in Hong Kong, contributes to the city's status as a vital stopover for migratory birds. However, large-scale urbanization development could potentially squeeze habitats like wetlands in Hong Kong, posing a threat to the city's bird population.

Paul Leader, an ecologist and ornithologist based in Hong Kong, was one of the judges in the contest. He expressed his happiness about the event, stating that it sparked interest in birds and wildlife among participants. He also noted that the contestants were judged based on their rhythm and tone, adding a musical element to the celebration of bird diversity.

The number of yellow-crested cockatoos, one of the world's most endangered species, living in Hong Kong's concrete canyons is around 1,200 to 2,000. These vibrant birds, with their distinctive crests and calls, are a testament to the importance of preserving urban habitats for birds.

Despite these concerns, the government has stated that fears over the project's environmental impact are overblown. As the bird call contest continues to inspire interest in bird conservation, it serves as a reminder of the vital role wetlands and other habitats play in maintaining biodiversity in Hong Kong.