4 bird species spotted at Lamma Power Station for the first time

More than 40 percent of over 100 bird species on the outlying Lamma Island can be found at Lamma Power Station, according to HK Electric, operator of the industrial facility.

Citing its ongoing survey, the electricity supplier said 30 bird species have been found within the power station area, including various resident birds, winter migratory birds and transit migratory birds.

For the first time, the survey team has spotted the Great Egret, Japanese Thrush, Feral Pigeon and Common Sandpiper in the power plant vicinity.

A notable species, the Brown Shrike, has been spotted again in this survey, marking its second consecutive appearance over the years.

Characterized by its reddish-brown body, lighter underparts, and reddish-brown waist and tail, it is both a transit and rare winter migratory bird.

The company said this has reaffirmed the power station as a suitable habitat for birds.

In a separate survey, the company observed Hard Coral and Octocoral species thriving in good health, with no signs of bleaching, suggesting the area near the power station offers a favorable environment for coral habitation and growth.

HK Electric managing director Francis Cheng Cho-ying emphasized the power company’s commitment to environmental conservation, highlighting efforts at the Lamma Power Station to preserve biodiversity. 

“Over 40 years, native trees have been planted, attracting birds, while new technologies are applied to minimize operational impacts on water bodies and marine life, preventing fish ingress into our system and supporting coral growth in nearby waters.”

Located to the south of Hong Kong, Lamma Island spans 13.85 square kilometers and is the third largest outlying island of the SAR.

Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Central, it is home to approximately two-thirds of the city's recorded biodiversity.

(Jamie Liu)