Lin Chung-an, who began working fulltime for Kaoshiung Wild Bird Society after retirement, started introducing the area’s avian ecology to tourists last year.
A walking encyclopedia of ornithology, Lin uses a diversity of methods to make birdwatching fun. Tourists can get a close look at mating birds through his Leica telephoto lens and learn detailed information about different species from the tablet PC Lin carries.
“Only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall they be saved.” Lin quoted famed conservationist Jane Goodall to explain his philosophy.
“I took this job as a mission to promote ecological conservation. I sincerely hope that through my guidance here at the park, more bird lovers can advance from simply observing to caring, and start disseminating knowledge themselves.”
Niaosong Wetland Park is adjacent to popular tourist attraction Chengqing Lake. It is home to more than 130 bird species, including common moorhens, Japanese white-eyes, kingfishers, Malaysian night herons, Taiwan barbets and yellow bitterns.
Lin said the success of this urban wetland in drawing such a diversity of species is all the more reason for him to continue his mission. And the more people he can convert to the cause, the better, he said. (YHC-SDH)
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