A balanced structure is the key to gongbi paintings. With a gradual transition from left to right, this structure and colour composition are delicately planned. The bird at the front scratches its head with a foot while the one at the back tidies its feathers. Gongbi strokes were used on the birds with layers of ink and colours. Feathers surrounding the eyes, the scales of the feet and the beaks were carefully applied with vivid yellow colour. On the top, a yellow bird soars in the sky, while the other rests on a branch of a willow chirping, forming a realistic depiction. Yu Chung-lin used carefree strokes for the willows and double outlines for the branches. A mix of ink and ochre were used for the leaves of the drooping willow. The tones of dark green of the willow and the yellow birds creates a harmonious composition of a still and an animated scene. Hibiscus were composed in the lower part of the frame with hints of brushwork of Lingnan school. Shell powder was applied to the petals and yellow for the stamens. Autumn was suggested by the composition of flowers, forming a poetic and vibrant scene.