As the temperature gradually decreases after the Mid-Autumn Festival, the arrival of autumn and winter signifies the start of the migratory birds' journey southward to overwinter at Taijiang National Park, where they will stay until returning north in the following spring. Taijiang National Park boasts a rich wetland environment, including fish ponds, abandoned salt fields, mudflats, and estuarine sandbars, which nurture diverse ecosystems. It is an essential habitat for migratory birds to rest and overwinter, attracting numerous birdwatching enthusiasts.
According to information from the Taijiang National Park Management Office, the Yan Shui River and the lower reaches of the Chianan Irrigation Channel have diverse wetland areas. The Yan Shui River Estuary Wetlands, a national-level wetland adjacent to the Sicao Wetlands, is one of the few international-level wetlands in Taiwan. The rich mangrove ecosystem attracts Little Egrets to nest, while intertidal organisms such as fiddler crabs are also commonly seen. As the migratory bird season arrives, species such as Black-faced Spoonbills, Pied Avocets, and Black-winged Stilts gradually arrive, creating a spectacular scene.
The ecosystem within Taijiang National Park is rich and diverse (Photo: Retrieved from United Daily News, provided by Taijiang National Park).
The Taijiang Management Office stated that during the wintering period for migratory birds each year, the Yan Shui River Estuary Wetlands not only offers abundant ecological resources but also hosts a variety of ecological activities. The autumn and winter event "Birdwatching by Bike and Leisurely Tour of the Shan-Hai-Zun Trail" invites the public to explore the wetlands by bicycle, cycling from the Guan Hai Bridge along the Yan Shui River to the estuary, then turning towards the Shan-Hai-Zun National Greenway. Participants follow the drainage line of the Chianan Irrigation Channel to learn about the estuarine resources and migratory bird ecology, allowing them to appreciate the natural beauty of the wetlands in a relaxed manner.
Enjoy Birdwatching by Bike and Leisurely Tour of the Shan-Hai-Zun Trail (Photo: Retrieved from Taijiang National Park Management Office Website).
Taijiang National Park is home to the Sicao and Zengwen River Estuary International-level Wetlands, as well as the Qigu Salt Fields and Yan Shui River Estuary National-level Wetlands, each with unique ecological characteristics. The diverse estuarine ecosystem at the Yan Shui River Estuary Wetlands, in particular, has become a birdwatcher's paradise. The Taijiang Management Office also encourages the public to immerse themselves in this natural haven to experience the beauty and diversity of the wetlands firsthand, enjoying an intellectually enriching natural journey.
