Young birders take flight

"It requires knowledge built up over a long period of time," she said.

Over six years, Wang has recorded 340 bird species. She said the figure is not particularly high compared with those of more active birders, especially younger enthusiasts.

"Many beginners are highly energetic," she said. "Some record hundreds of species in a short time and go birdwatching every few days — even at night."

For Wang, however, birdwatching is not about speed. She prefers to carry binoculars with her and allow encounters to unfold naturally during work, travel or an ordinary walk.

"You can keep birdwatching your whole life — maybe until you're 70. It gives me another window through which to understand the world," she said.