Han Ximin
THE Shenzhen Bird Watching Association is inviting 24 families including expatriates to participate in a bird watching contest.
Child contestants must be above the age of 6. The bird watching association will organize training sessions and outdoor bird watching activities before the contest, which is scheduled for Feb. 19 next year.
Winter in Shenzhen is the best season for bird watching. Nearly 400 species of birds can be seen in Shenzhen, one-third of the total in China, Xu Meng, head of the association, said at a launch ceremony Friday.
The final requires contestants to submit a report listing the birds observed in designated places at designated times.
The association will provide facilities without charge.
Bird watching is popular in Western countries and the organizer hopes this could lure children and adults away from Internet games and help them become close to nature.
Families interested can log on to the association s Web site at www.szbird.org.cn to fill in the application form and e-mail it to qzguanniao@126.com. Applications close Dec. 4.
