Amidst the concrete jungle that is Hong Kong, there were sounds of chirps, trills, and whistles. But these echoes were not coming from birds, instead they were being artfully mimicked by participants who took part in Kong Kong Bird Watching Society’s first-ever competition.
Despite Hong Kong’s long and popular tradition of bird watching, a contest of this type is something entirely new for the city. These realistic bird performances were showcased inside a lecture hall at the University of Hong Kong on August 23, 2025, by 20 contestants, drawn from close to 100 submissions. Inspired by international bird calling contests, the event aims to promote ecological and conversation awareness in Hong Kong.
The participants took to the stage, sharing their unique talents and sharing their personal connections with birds with the attendees and judges. Some of the challenging local bird species’calls performed include the Asian Koel, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, and Asian Barred Owlet.
The winning title in Hong Kong’s inaugural bird calling contest was earned by Bob Chan, impressing judges with his skillful imitation of the Eurasian Tree Sparrow. The cheerful and lively notes were widely enjoyed for their familiarity and charm, making it a memorable standout. The 31-year old said he has long been an enthusiast for simulating various sounds, from bird calls and fireworks to the sound of a door opening.
Organizers hope that this playful and quirky contest will continue to spread the message on conservation and the negative impact of urban development to more than 580 species of birds that call Hong Kong home.
