By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported and compiled by Li Xinyi
Every year since 2003 (92 in the Republic of China calendar), the Huajiang Community Development Association has invited enthusiastic local groups to organize bird-watching and environmental education events. This year marks the first joint celebration between Taipei and New Taipei cities, rebranded as the “2012 Greater Taipei Duck Season.” The event venues span the Tamsui River basin, including the Huajiang Duck Nature Park (under Huajiang Bridge) in Taipei City and the Erchong Floodway Entrance Weir Wetland (under Xinsheng Bridge and New Taipei Bridge) in New Taipei City—making it the largest-scale event in its history. From 10 a.m. on December 8 to 9, up to 25 local parade teams kicked off the festivities with lively opening activities.
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The adorable little dabbling ducks have arrived in Taipei for the winter and can be spotted at both the Huajiang Duck Nature Park and the Erchong Floodway Entrance Weir Wetland in New Taipei City. (Photo provided by the Taipei Wild Bird Society / Chen Wangshi)
As one of the event organizers, the Taipei Wild Bird Society has planned a series of activities. It kicks off with the “Water God Blesses the Ducks – A Parade for Blessings,” starting with a lively opening at Longshan Temple. There will also be guided duck ecology tours, displays of long-term Huajiang monitoring results, and a variety of fun challenges, interactive games, and quizzes where participants can win prizes. Among the highlights is the “Bird-Watching Expo,” where visitors can observe the charming ducks up close through telescopes, with expert guides on hand. Many bird enthusiasts are taking this opportunity to catch a glimpse of the rare winter visitor to Huajiang Wetland—the bluethroat (Bluethroat). Children can also join in the “Bird-Shaped Paper Cutting” activity to preserve the beautiful image of the ducks forever.
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Bird enthusiasts flock here to capture rare photos of the ducks. (Photo provided by the Taipei Wild Bird Society)
To accommodate the first-ever joint “2012 Greater Taipei Duck Season” celebration between Taipei and New Taipei cities, special shuttle bus services have been added from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on event days. Stops include Longshan Temple MRT Station, Huajiang Duck Nature Park, under Xinsheng Bridge at the Erchong Floodway, and Sanchong MRT Station.
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