Hong Kong may have a reputation as an urban jungle but our city has classy beaches, hiking trails and country parks. With all that greenery about outside of Hong Kong’s urban clusters, it ought to come as no surprise that the SAR is also a pretty darn good spot for bird watching, too. Many species fly by on their migratory paths and there are places where you can see dozens of birds that of global conservation concern. Here are the best places to catch a glimpse.
Despite being right in the middle of the city, Hong Kong Park is home to Southeast Asia’s largest aviary. If you’re a newcomer to the hobby, there are helpful free bird-watching walks held every Wednesday, 8am to 10am, organised by the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Another of the city’s urban parks and another spot that’s surprisingly decent for a spot of ornithology. In fact, Tsim Sha Tsui’s urban oasis is a bustling haven for birds. More than 100 different species have been recorded in the park and it’s a well known hotspot for migrant birds passing through during spring and autumn.
Arguably the best spot for bird watching in all Hong Kong, Inner Deep Bay is an officially recognised Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. Fantastic for nature lovers, this site supports a huge variety of migratory and wintering waterbirds, including almost 50 that are of global conservation concern.
This plantation covers 460 hectares of wooded hills and is dedicated to preserving Hong Kong’s natural flora and fauna. Naturally, that means it’s ideal for catching glimpses of our feathered friends. Common birds here include the spotted dove, Chinese bulbul and crested bulbul.
Tap Mun, which sits off the coast of Sai Kung Country Park, is also known as Grass Island. Although the location is more famous for the cows that graze freely about its paths, there’s plenty of avian activity too. During seasons of passage and summer breeding, the island is especially busy with visiting birds. Even on the ferry ride from Sai Kung or Science Park it’s possible to see many birds riding the wind.
Too cool or too hot to be outdoors? Here are some alternatives to work up a sweat, whatever the season.
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