Tape rolling: Chief Executive Donald Tsang records his latest Hong Kong Letter broadcast.

Keeping a cool head in politics is a key quality for a leader, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says, adding that he has learned to exercise restraint, patience and concentration from bird watching.

Speaking on Radio Television Hong Kong's Hong Kong Letter today, Mr Tsang revealed he is an avid bird watcher.

"Bird watching is a perfect hobby to sooth the nerves of a short-tempered person like me. If you want to get close to nature, you must respect its laws. Whatever your station in life, you cannot control the movement of birds in the wild. All you can do is wait quietly with your binoculars to catch a closer glimpse. But you can never make a noise. This is a pastime that anyone in Hong Kong can take up. Best of all, it doesn't cost much. All you need is a pair of binoculars, and off you go to urban parks or the countryside."

He said bird watching shows that nature acts as a good balance to human life.

"Observing them brings you closer to nature and helps ease the mind from the strains and stresses of modern life. It is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle. You will discover the beauty of nature and how it can help calm the mind," he said.

"I certainly hope the threat of avian influenza will soon dissipate, and that harmony between man and nature can be restored."