Abstract: This study collected and analyzed data on the present status and development of the birdwatching societies, birdwatchers, and birdwatching activites in mainland China through the methods of questionnaire, interview, etc. The study shows that, during the last decade, birdwatching societies and birdwatchers have been growing rapidly. There are over 20 000 birdwatchers in mainland China, over 5 000 of which have joined local birdwatching societies. Birdwatching societies have carried out various activities, such as birding, public environmental education, bird survey, etc. The societies have also worked collaboratively with reserves/parks, NGOs, Schools and local governments. However, fund is the biggest challenge of them, and they need urgent help. This paper, based on the investigation, gives the following suggestions for the development of birdwatching societies: Enhance the level of internal organizational construction; improve the participation and ability of the members on birdwatching societies; strengthen cooperation with governments and media; promote birdwatching ecotourism and enhance the diversity of funding sources.

Key words: birdwatching society, birdwatching activity, birdwatcher, mainland China