The globally endangered "black-faced spoonbill" has arrived in Lesser Kinmen for the winter

▲ This winter, the globally endangered guest — the "black-faced spoonbill" — has once again flown to Kinmen for the winter. (Photo / Provided by Kinmen National Park Headquarters)

Reporter Chen Ziying / Comprehensive Report

Every winter, the most anticipated event for birdwatching enthusiasts in Kinmen is the arrival of the endangered guest — the "black-faced spoonbill." This year in mid-November, they returned to Lingshui Lake in Lesser Kinmen for the winter. From November 16 to December 28, the Kinmen National Park invites birdwatching experts such as Mr. Zhuang Xijin, Ms. Xue Yiwen, and Mr. Li Xintuan from the Kinmen County Birdwatching Society to provide free guided tours at Lingshui Lake every Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

According to Kinmen National Park, Lingshui Lake has been the most stable wintering site for black-faced spoonbills in recent years. In the past nine years, except for 2009, there have been recorded sightings of black-faced spoonbills every year. This year, the highest recorded number was nine black-faced spoonbills and two Eurasian spoonbills. Other birds that can also be observed include purple herons, Chinese pond herons, northern pintails, northern shovelers, spotted redshanks, common redshanks, Eurasian woodcocks, black-winged stilts, collared kingfishers, pied kingfishers, ospreys, and black kites. Occasionally, visitors can also enjoy the spectacular sight of hundreds of cormorants fishing in groups offshore. The birdwatching conditions are excellent, attracting many birdwatchers from Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China.

Kinmen National Park further states that as the migratory bird season has begun, Lingshui Lake is one of the richest birdwatching spots in Kinmen. Not only can visitors observe bird ecology up close, but they can also easily spot a variety of bird species in one visit, making it an ideal destination for general tourists and families interested in birdwatching.


▲ Lingshui Lake offers close-up views of black-faced spoonbills. (Photo / Provided by Kinmen National Park Headquarters)