Big Bird Race 2023

Big Bird Race is WWF-Hong Kong’s longest-running birdwatchers event. Generating strong enthusiasm locally and from overseas, the event has grown in the last three decades, attracting teams that will vie to spot the most species in 12 hours. Funds raised by teams directly contribute to the habitat management of Mai Po Nature Reserve, to give birds and other wildlife a better home. The Big Bird Race has grown into a legendary challenge for local bird lovers. It is becoming a regionally important bird-watching challenge, attracting school participants to join. We also actively seek new teams to join each year.

The Pheasant-tailed Jacana is an uncommon migrant and rare winter visitor in Hong Kong. The bird has extremely long toes. The elongated tail feathers, which can be seen in breeding plumage, gives the bird its name. This species used to be a local breeding species found in the Deep Bay wetlands back in the 1960 and 1970s. However, due to significant loss of their preferred habitats: freshwater wetlands with emergent and floating vegetation, there has been hardly any breeding record in Hong Kong since late 1970s.