Why Hong Kong in April is a birdwatcher’s paradise as migratory birds mix with native species – where to see some of them
- Hong Kong is alive with bird life at this time of year, as residents are joined by migratory birds stopping over as they head north
- Here’s a guide to spotting them, from black kites to blue-and-white flycatchers to scarlet minivets
Its airport might be astonishingly quiet, but Hong Kong is still an international travel hub, with multiple arrivals and departures under way this month.
These travellers are migratory birds – on journeys from winter haunts as far south as Australia, to breeding grounds in Siberia, or even Alaska. And wherever you are in Hong Kong, the migrants – along with year-round residents – offer a chance to enjoy some of the wonders of the natural world, right outside your home.
Although serious birdwatching requires binoculars, maybe a telescope and fine camera gear, in many parts of Hong Kong you should be able to enjoy watching one of its most familiar birds simply by looking up, or even out of the window.
If your view is not too restricted by buildings, there is a fair chance you will see a black kite, gliding serenely overhead.
