Northern Goshawks Have Arrived: Traffic Control in Tainan’s Beimen District to Avoid Disturbing Bird Habitats

▲ Northern goshawks have arrived in Taiwan. Against the setting sun, thousands of migratory birds create a breathtaking scene. (Photo / Courtesy ofYunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan Coastal Scenic Area Official Website)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Vast flocks of northern goshawks soar over fish farms and sea dikes, dancing in the sky—how could you miss such a spectacular sight? To provide undisturbed habitats for migratory birds and a birdwatching-friendly environment for the public, Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan Coastal Scenic Area will implement traffic control in Beimen District from the 25th until November 15.

The arrival of northern goshawks, hailed as a “natural avian ecological wonder in Taiwan,” is a winter spectacle. Every September and October, these birds migrate south from northern regions, with thousands filling the skies and settling in the expansive “Jingzijiao Salt Fields” in Beimen, Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan Coastal area. This magnificent view always attracts numerous birdwatchers, especially those eager to spot the northern goshawk. However, large numbers of visitors may not only startle these delicate creatures but also risk damaging their precious habitat through human interference.

▲ The best time to view them is at dusk (as shown in the photo above), and Jingzijiao Salt Fields in Tainan’s Beimen District (below) is the prime birdwatching location. (Photo / Courtesy ofYunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan Coastal Scenic Area Official Website)

Zheng Rongzhe, Director of the Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan Management Office, stated that due to the increasing number of birdwatching tourists and vehicles, which may disturb the birds, traffic control measures will be enforced. From October 25 to November 15 this year, traffic control will be implemented daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the sea dike in Lutegou, Beimen District, restricting vehicle access. Birdwatchers are advised to park along the shoulders of Provincial Highway 61 to avoid disrupting traffic.

Finally, the Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan Management Office also reminds birdwatchers to adhere to the “three no’s”: no loud noises, no luring, and no chasing, to collectively protect this valuable migratory bird habitat.