Every winter, a dedicated community of enthusiasts and bird-lovers stays tuned for a special gathering that has become a seasonal ritual – the Big Bird Race (BBR). They get set for a journey that transcends mere competition, driven by a quiet but vibrant excitement. Some set off at midnight on 7 February for the Professional Race, while the younger ones gather with equal devotion for the Youth Race on 7 March. Now in its 42^nd year, the BBR remains a powerful testament to our shared responsibility for the migratory travellers of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

‍

Passionate birders traverse the wooden boardwalks of Mai Po, navigating the vast Gei wai to document and count diverse bird species during the Big Bird Race.

A Victory Shared Across the Flyway

This year, our sightings carried the weight of a celebration. We raced to honour the black-faced spoonbill’s inspiring reclassification from "Endangered" to "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. To those of us who have spent decades advocating for this iconic species, this milestone is more than a statistic; it is a hard-won triumph of international collaboration and science-driven habitat management. It proves that when we recognise our shared responsibility, we can indeed turn the tide for species on the brink.

‍

More Than a Race: A Community of Practice

At its heart, the BBR is a vital hub for information exchange. It is where veteran birders and the next generation foster relationships that go beyond the logbook, sharing the insights that strengthen our collective conservation efforts. During the Professional race, the "Swire All Stars" recorded 173 species, including the elusive Barred Buttonquail, recognised as "Bird of the Day."

The passion of our Youth "Bird Guardians" matched this professional ferocity. Their meticulousness in the field reminds us that the torch of conservation is being passed into capable hands, ensuring that our shared expertise continues to grow.

Restoring the Heartbeat of Mai Po

Our work does not end when the binoculars are packed away. The funds raised through the BBR are the lifeblood of our on-location action at Mai Po Nature Reserve, specifically the important restoration of gei wai #21. By optimising this high-tide roost, we are ensuring that the black-faced spoonbill and its fellow travellers have a safe, resilient haven to winter and rest. We invite all bird-lovers to join us next year as we continue to protect the Mai Po wetlands for precious flyways.

‍