Located in the northwestern part of Hong Kong, Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay is not only an important point for migrant birds to stop-over, but also a globally significant wetland site. The place always brings me a memorable experience, not only for bird-watching and photographing, but also for field visiting. I have been irresistibly attracted to the abundant water bird species on the mudflat since my first visit to the floating bird-watching hide in the winter of 1993.

At the time, I was still a college student and I did not have a camera. The impressive, grand sight of millions of flying water birds, the extensive, open view of the mangrove forest and mudflat, and the harmonious merging of fish ponds and gei wai into the blue sky were only records in my memory. My experiences in Mai Po have had a profound effect on my personal development, leading the direction of my life. It is not only the place for me to learn, grow, research, practice and work, but also the place for me to dwell in. It is also a place where a lot of people in the environmental conservation and education profession are inspired.

In the last decade, observing the beauties of water birds in Mai Po through a telescope has always been enjoyable. Once I had my own camera, instead of just observing their ever changing postures, I could also take pictures in order to record the interactions between birds and their natural environment. This enables me to have a more profound understanding of birds’ habits. A water bird flying over mangrove forests under the blue sky is always the best portrait of Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay.

In recent years, there have been fundamental changes in the natural sceneries of Inner Deep Bay. Looking through the telescope, vivid Black-faced Spoonbills are still preying lively on the mud, the black and white color of Pied Kingfisher, the symbolic logo of Mai Po reserve, can still be clearly identified and the feathers of White-throated Kingfisher are still gorgeous. However, the sky behind the bird flock is no longer blue and has become dusky. This mist will only be blown away at the time when the southerly wind of summer comes. Ironically, you may need to wait until the “Golden Holiday” for the blue sky to be unveiled. Attributed to the temporary suspension of those year-round production lines and the consequent reduction of emissions from power stations, the smog that masks the sky will disperse for a few days. This cause-and-effect relationship is undoubtedly obvious.

When we are celebrating the unexpected good luck in being able to see blue skies, we will then realize that the water birds outside the border are no longer living with mangroves and wetlands, but instead with crowded, monotonous skyscrapers. On the other side, the entire southwest side has been sheltered by building blocks, resulting from the urbanization of Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai. Before we attribute the pollution to the Pearl River Delta, we should first ask ourselves what we have “contributed”!

Every single day, we aim and strive for economic development, using those non-renewable resources in exchange for short term prosperity. It is ironic for us to sit in an air-conditioned room with gorgeous lighting, located in the middle of a concrete forest, to discuss environmental issues or even blaming the ineffectiveness of governments and conservation groups in saving the environment. The exhaust emitted from vehicles, the uncontrolled use of electrical appliances, the incredibly large carbon footprint created by consumerism, the dining habits with high meat consumption, the use of disposable products…. All these living habits of yours and mine have made a significant “contribution” to pollution. Emissions reduction should not only be the responsibility of business enterprises and governments, but also of every single citizen. Changes  can only be made with our collective efforts.

The charming scenery of Inner Deep Bay of the last century can now only be recalled in my memory. Every time I visit Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay leisurely, indulging in the pleasant birdsongs and lively water birds, I feel in my heart two contradicting feelings: Would I rather live under blue skies and white clouds while allowing the wetland to be swallowed by development, or to live in a feigned peaceful environment masked by poison mist?

Maybe I should be grateful for not having the opportunity to take photos when I first visited Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay. It is because photos will eventually fade out, but my memory will be sublimed as time passes. In my memory, Inner Deep Bay is forever beautiful. and I can even say, Inner Deep Bay can is growing more and more charming.

Perhaps we can face this challenge with a positive attitude. Although we cannot reverse the concrete forest back into its natural scenery, the smog  can disperse with our joint efforts.

I am looking forward to the arrival of that day and I profoundly believe that we can achieve this goal with our own efforts.