Kai Pflug walks along a tree-lined path in Shanghai, carrying his camera gear. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
Kai Pflug, a German who has lived in Shanghai for nearly 20 years, has spent the past decade photographing birds across the city. He says the number of species he records continues to grow each year.
He shares his observations on his blog, "10000birds", and has compiled Birds of Nanhui Shanghai, a photo book featuring more than 180 bird species, all documented through his own photographs and field records. More than 500 trips to Nanhui Wetland in Jiading district went into the project.
"I want these photos to help more people understand that Nanhui is a habitat birds love and a place worth protecting," Fu said.
Fu said Shanghai's parks have increased in number and ecological protection has produced notable results, which is why his records show more bird species every year.
He regards the Liuhe area around Liu Island, a wildlife habitat in Jiading district, as a key stopover for migratory birds. "Migratory birds travel long distances and need many safe, clean places to stop, rest, and build up their strength along the way. Liu Island is one of their ideal stopovers. I sincerely hope there will be more and more such environments," Fu said.
Luo Yining, a staff member of Jiading's ecology and environment bureau, said a biodiversity survey conducted over the past two years recorded more than 1,000 species in the district. More than 400 species have been recorded around Liu Island alone.
Birds of Nanhui Shanghai by Kai Pflug. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]