Xia Zhuolin

2397438917@qq.com

AT a popular science booth at Shenzhen Bay Park, Huang Yunfei, a young yet veteran bird enthusiast from Shenzhen University (SZU), captivated onlookers with her vibrant paintings showcasing the diverse avian species while providing explanations about the prevalent issue of bird collisions with buildings.

According to the National Anti–Bird Collisions Action Alliance Annual Report, 190 bird collisions were reported in the fall of 2022 and spring of 2023 in China. Living in Shenzhen, a migratory bird wintering hub, Huang has been involved in mitigating bird collisions through surveys and designs.

Huang spearheaded the 2021 Fall National Bird Collision Survey in Shenzhen, mobilizing hundreds of volunteers, including SZU students, for regular investigations aimed at preventing such tragedies.

The survey is part of the nationwide effort initiated by the Biodiversity and Sustainability Lab of Duke Kunshan University. It encourages public participation by recruiting volunteers to investigate and upload data onto designated platforms.

Huang leveraged online platforms for volunteer recruitment and training. As the organizer, she maintained regular communication with volunteers, providing guidance, answering queries, and fostering a sense of community.

“I was happy to meet volunteers of different ages and occupations, including primary school and college students, teachers, nurses, and even family teams,” Huang said.

Since its launch in the spring of 2021, the nationwide survey has been conducted four times.

Huang, who majors in product design, integrates her decade–long bird–watching experience with original designs to protect her feathered friends. Her creations include an app called “Free Flying,” which aims to establish a comprehensive service system for bird strike prevention and rescue. She also creates bird–themed memes, popular science comics, and even the cover design of Shenzhen primary school textbooks.