United by a common love for winged kind

Lam Kam-hung developed a passion for bird photography after his superannuation in Hong Kong around a decade ago. During a photography trip to Southwest China's Yunnan province last year, he encountered fellow bird photographers from other parts of China and was enthralled by the captivating images they shared.

One particular set of photographs showcasing the majestic silver pheasants, renowned for their striking long-tailed males with white or silvery-white upper parts, left a lingering impression on him. "They look truly stunning in their diverse natural settings," Lam told China Daily.

He enquired where he could see the birds and was directed to Fengtian village of Yongan county in Fujian province. He obtained the WeChat contact of Xiong Shengchun, a local operator of bird hides and homestays, from his new friends. "They told me that the village is probably the best place to take photographs of silver pheasants," he said, adding that he wasted no time in planning a trip.

On the morning of March 21, he boarded a bullet train in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, and arrived in Yongan after a six-hour journey. He was received at the station by a driver Xiong had sent, who drove him to the destination in less than two hours.

That very afternoon, he could immerse himself in the enchanting world of silver pheasants at one of Xiong's six bird hides in the village.

At the bird hide, Lam also had the pleasure of meeting bird photographers from different parts of China. Engaging in conversations with them during breaks between their photo shoots, he soon made new friends.