Hong Kong Day 7: Bird Street

When I was still working as a junior associate in a law firm and work was very, very stressful, I used to look forward to each and every vacation leave and relish being able to escape work for a little while. So much so that whenever my fellow associates and I are on leave, we’d call it taking time out to “hear the birds chirp”, something which was a near-impossibility in our workaday lives.

I’m no longer working in a firm and there’s considerably less stressful days at work now but hearing the birds chirp is something that I love doing, whether waking up in the early morning and still being able to hear actual birds by my bedroom window or hearing them on vacation. When I found out Hong Kong has a whole street devoted to birds, I couldn’t pass up the chance to see it.

A popular haunt for songbird supporters, the visually
engaging Yuen Po Street Bird Garden is designed in the style of a
traditional Chinese garden. The park has dozens of stalls selling exotic
birds, beautifully crafted bamboo cages, porcelain water dishes and
other bird-care paraphernalia.

While it’s unlikely that you’ll be purchasing a few Chinese thrushes
as mementos of your Hong Kong trip, the garden is a pleasant place to
witness this age-old Chinese hobby in action; where elderly men feed and
preen their feathered friends in exchange for sweet songs.

(From Discover Hong Kong)

From the Flower Market, the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden or simply Bird Street is just a few steps away. And you’ll know you’re in the right place because at the entrance to the street you’ll see this bird mural.

Bird Street is an enclosed, pedestrian-only street, with lots of trees.

The first thing that will catch your eye, and what you’ll see more of as you go nearer to the center of the street are rows upon rows of bird cages, and birds of course. Lots and lots of birds, and a constant cacophony of bird chirps and calls.

I found the whole area so charming and nostalgic—quite unlike any street I have seen before. Bird Street was quite photogenic too.

Bird Street is first and foremost a market where birds and anything related to keeping them as pets are sold. I’m glad that this trade is still preserved for the shopkeepers here, as well as the way of life of bird hobbyists.

While I may not be a bird enthusiast, I did enjoy spending my afternoon taking time out to photograph Bird Street. And of course, to hear the birds chirp. 🙂

Wishing you fabulous travels. Cheers!