By Gong Dan

Recently retiree of Nantong Daily media group Chen Xiaoping received the two volumes of Encyclopedia of birds in China. The professional book which has large reference value and appreciation value for bird science and birds’ lovers has delicate printing, high resolution pictures and abundant information. What surprised Chen Xiaoping is that two of his bird photo works are included in the book: koel and grand eagle (refer to pictures).

10 years ago retiree of Nantong Daily Mr. Jia Taogen held personal wild bird photography exhibition. It is the 1st wild bird photography exhibition in history in China. Looking at the wild bird photos in detail, Chen Xiaoping was astonished: how lucky and wonderful for people to be able to live in the same planet with these creatures!

In that year he retired. After the show, he took his photography equipment, went to fields, mountains and forests, to look for wild birds in nature, and never stopped since that.

Nantong is located at where river and sea intersects. There are a lot of rivers and plants. It is a good habitat for wild birds. On 28 December 2016 morning, a pair of red crossbills appeared in Bin Jiang Park. Chen Xiaoping’s previous classmate and fellow photographer Mao Zhijian found them first. Received the call, Chen Xiaoping went there quickly, and took a photo. He was excited for a few days for this.

Feeling attached to the birds, people will care about their living conditions naturally. ‘Giving our help in protection of birds and environment, is the final destination of our bird photography activity.’ Chen Xiaoping said.

Now Chen Xiaoping, same as fellows in Nantong wild bird photography group, goes to Wushan area as long as he has time. He said that taking photos of birds, loving birds and protecting birds are good for health and environmental protection, help him learn knowledge and have joy and health, there’s no reason not to do it.