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I looked outside and saw a large group of birds at the hide. There were many cormorants, gulls, herons, egrets, ducks, and waders, all hurriedly eating as the water rose and covered the rich mud below. Up in the sky, not fully committed, black kites circled, sometimes causing the other birds to fly off in a brief frenzy before returning to eat or rest.

I witnessed a remarkable event at Mai Po nature reserve in Hong Kong, which is recognized as a crucial wetland area. During both high and low tides, large flocks of birds congregate here, with the bustling city of Shenzhen serving as a backdrop right across the border in mainland China.

I encountered a spoonbill, but not the kind I am used to. While it foraged, moving its unique, wide bill back and forth in the shallow water, its dark face stood out against the white feathers, revealing its uniqueness.

This species, the black-faced spoonbill, is extremely uncommon within its species, with a population of less than 6,000 worldwide. It will soon migrate north to the demilitarised zone between North and South Korea to safely breed. If all goes well, it will return to Mai Po in the fall, a peaceful refuge in a world where wetland habitats are in constant peril.

Source: theguardian.com