German bird-lover finds unexpected calling in Shanghai

German bird-lover Kai Pflug has dedicated more than a decade to capturing Shanghai's bird life through his lens.

Being a chemical industry consultant who arrived in Shanghai in 2004, Pflug has devoted himself to documenting the city's rich avian life in his spare time. He found that Shanghai's position along the Southeast Asian Pacific Flyway — a key migratory route where birds travel between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering sites — makes it an ideal location for his passion.

Combining online outreach with on-the-ground efforts, Pflug self-published an album showcasing about 180 bird species found in Nanhui in Pudong New Area, compiled from over 550 field visits. He freely distributes the book to local ecological authorities and individuals involved in environmental development and protection.

"I think the more people know about and care for the birds, the better it will be for the birds," he said.

Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn