In Wang Tong Village, nestled on Lantau Island, Hong Kong, a unique artistic initiative is transforming the landscape through painted murals of birds. These murals are not just decorative; they serve a larger purpose of highlighting the crucial journeys that migratory birds undertake. The initiative, known as the Flock Project, stems from the inspiration of Dominic Johnson-Hill, who was moved by an account from his ornithologist neighbor about the Amur falcon. This bird travels from Manchuria, pauses in Lantau, and continues its migration across various countries including Myanmar, India, and Madagascar, ultimately reaching South Africa.
Johnson-Hill's fascination with these migratory patterns led him to envision a series of bird murals across abandoned houses in his village. The concept was to depict birds that, while not permanent residents, are transient occupants of the area. To bring this vision to fruition, he enlisted the help of British artist Rob Aspire, known as "The Birdman," who is celebrated for his expressive bird murals. Johnson-Hill's initial idea expanded when Aspire returned a year later to create additional murals, culminating in a total of eight intricate bird portrayals.
The selection of each bird mural is deliberate, focusing on ecological relevance, aesthetic appeal, or local symbolism. For example, a kingfisher mural overlooks a stream where fishing activity has ceased, while a Swinhoe's white-eye is painted nearby trees, coinciding with the echo of its unique call. The murals not only enhance the aesthetic of the dilapidated structures but also serve as reminders of the vibrant avian life that interacts with these environments.
Among the murals, one standout is the long-tailed shrike perched on the rooftop of an old stone house at Sunset Peak, soaring at an elevation of 868 meters (nearly 3,000 feet). This mural encapsulates the blend of natural beauty with the storied history of the chronicled building. The Flock Project aims to gradually reintroduce Hong Kong's native and migratory birds into visibility, effectively nesting them into the architecture of forgotten areas of the island as though they have always belonged there.
The initiative has attracted substantial attention, with hundreds of visitors venturing from the urban landscape of Hong Kong to explore the trails and alleyways of Lantau. This influx of people often transforms into interactive treasure hunts, as some enthusiasts bring chalk to mark pathways, guiding future visitors on their discovery of the murals. Johnson-Hill believes that noticing beauty is often the prerequisite for developing a desire to protect it.
To bolster this community engagement, Johnson-Hill has developed an online map that allows visitors to locate the various murals, thus enhancing the outreach of the Flock Project. The future trajectory of the project will rely on the discovery of new derelict houses and becoming aware of opportunities to feature additional bird paintings. Just as birds migrate, sometimes returning and sometimes disappearing, so do people and communities evolve; while villages may vacate, the walls remain adorned with murals, leaving behind lasting impressions of nature’s elegance.
