Bird photography for conservation: Celebrity inspires love of birds

China, a biodiversity hotspot and key stopover for global migratory birds, lies on four of the world's nine major flyways. Every spring, migrating birds bring excitement to aficionados of bird photography. Recently, Chinese actor Li Xian shared his bird photography experience in Beijing's Yuyuantan Park, drawing praise from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the public.

Bird photography, which involves using telephoto lenses to capture birds from a distance, requires both patience and skill. Beyond its playful nickname "bird shooting" - where "shooting" also refers to taking pictures - the practice not only deepens the public's appreciation of avian life, but also plays a crucial role in fostering conservation awareness.    

The East Asian-Australasian Flyway is one of the most important global migration routes. In China, more than 790 migratory bird species, including endangered species such as the spoon-billed sandpiper and red-crowned crane, traverse this route annually. Sites like Heilongjiang's Honghe National Nature Reserve are critical for migration and breeding, and local monitoring shows increasing bird diversity and numbers.

When birdwatching and taking photographs, it is important to avoid disturbing wildlife by maintaining a respectful distance, minimizing noise, and refraining from using flash. As habitats improve and public engagement grows, bird photography is also increasingly becoming a bridge that connects admiration with actionable steps toward bird conservation.