Silva Gu scans tall grasslands near Beijing for signs of poachers trapping precious songbirds. Each year, tens of thousands of birds are caught in China for the pet trade or meat. A single Siberian rubythroat bird can sell for nearly 2,000 yuan, more than a farmer's monthly wage. Silva, a passionate conservationist in his 30s, patrols the fields at night to catch these hunters. When he spots a poacher, he blocks his escape and calls police. "At the beginning I had no experience and at that time I was quite afraid," Silva says. "But if you really want to do something, those fears will all be forgotten." Silva started the Beijing Migratory Bird Squad to rally volunteers and push police to take action. Police cooperation has improved, as catching poachers also helps crack down on other crimes. China hosts over 1,500 bird species, including more than 800 migratory birds traveling dangerous routes. Grasslands near Beijing are crucial resting spots, but also hotspots for mist net traps that can snare hundreds of small birds at night. Even protected species like the meadow pipit suffer in these nets. Despite laws, fines are low compared to profits from selling birds as pets. Older generations still see caged birds as status symbols. Silva says, "China developed so fast, there was no time to educate people about ecology... Maybe they can't be changed in a lifetime." The illegal trade continues, but Silva has rescued more than 20,000 birds in 10 years. He studies satellite maps to find poacher paths and traps. When police raid markets and parks, some sellers claim to simply be walking their pet birds. Silva believes hope lies in younger generations appreciating wild birds. Until then, he will keep patrolling the dark fields to save the dulcet tones of songbirds for Beijing's skies. "This is my ideal. If you have this ideal, you must persist. You can't not," he says.