Summary of Key Points
This article discusses two main topics: first, how birdwatching has evolved from a niche subculture on Bilibili (attracted by catchy titles) to a nationwide hobby, with explosive data across various platforms; second, the story of the night heron, which has gone from being an overlooked common wild bird to an internet celebrity, inspiring people to fall in love with birdwatching and encouraging them to pay attention to natural details and endangered species, as well as to reflect on the relationship between humans and nature.
1. Birdwatching Goes Viral: From a Niche Subculture to a National Hobby
Birdwatching was once associated with older adults or small groups of enthusiasts, but now it has become a phenomenon across the internet:
- Bilibili's Role in the Trend: Creators used catchy titles (such as “Check out Uncle’s Little Bird”) to attract viewers, who were initially drawn in for entertainment but eventually became fans of birdwatching.
- Data Explosion Across Platforms: On platforms like REDnote, the number of readings on birdwatching notes exceeded 1 billion, and over 260,000 people participated in related discussions on Douyin (TikTok).
- Youthful Engagement: Birds are now featured in anime and games, and bird-themed merchandise is being sold. Even popular characters like “Er Ci Yuan” (a Chinese internet celebrity) have joined the trend of virtual birdwatching.
In short, birdwatching has transformed from a niche hobby to something that young people are eager to share and participate in.
2. The Night Heron’s Rise: How a Common Bird Became an Internet Sensation
The night heron, once unnoticed in urban areas, has become an internet celebrity for several practical reasons:
- Cute and Memorable Memes: It’s easy to create memes featuring the heron imitating penguins, football stars like Harry Kane, or being compared to cockroaches, umbrellas, and elderly men with hands behind their backs.
- Easy for Beginners: With its bright colors and large size, the night heron is easy to spot during the day, making it a popular target for beginners. It’s also less likely to fly away suddenly, providing a guaranteed sighting opportunity.
- Its “Authentic” Charm: Initially considered unsightly due to its posture or loud calls, people later realized that its behavior (such as keeping its neck back during the day) is a natural hunting strategy, and this authenticity endearred it to viewers.
- Negative Media Coverage That Boosted Its Popularity: News about the heron’s habits (such as defecating in public places) turned into memes, further increasing its fame.
3. The Change in Attitudes Towards Birdwatching: From Entertainment to a deeper Appreciation of Nature
Birdwatching is no longer just for fun; it has also changed the way people perceive the world:
- Identifying Species: People can now recognize and name different birds, such as night herons and kingfishers, which helps them notice details in nature that they might have previously overlooked.
- Reconnecting with Surrounding Nature: Birdwatching encourages people to pay more attention to their surroundings, discovering things like kingfishers near lakes or owls nearby.
4. From Memes to Responsibility: The Role of Birdwatching in Conservation
As birdwatching has gained popularity, it has also raised awareness of real environmental issues:
- Endangered Species: The spotlight on endangered species, such as the spoon-billed stork (with only 400 individuals left globally), has led to greater attention to their struggle for survival, especially against threats like coastal roads.
- Reflecting on Human-Nature Relationships: Birdwatchers realize that many birds disappear because they go unnoticed. By paying more attention to them, we can help prevent similar tragedies from happening.
In Conclusion
Birdwatching is not just about having fun; it’s a way to reconnect with and appreciate nature. From the internet-famous night heron to the endangered spoon-billed stork, every bird reminds us that nature is all around us and needs our care and protection.