Migratory birds visit Taiwan for Christmas Eve celebrations, perfect for family-friendly wetland outings and photography enthusiasts!

On the 24th, the Department of Agriculture and the New Taipei City Wild Bird Conservation Association jointly organized a family bird-watching activity at the Lujiaoxi Constructed Wetland. Early in the morning, parents and children held hands as they explored the winter bird species and wetland ecology in New Taipei City. In addition to bird observation, the event featured an introduction to the Lujiaoxi Constructed Wetland, aquatic organism observation, and a fun quiz to enhance public knowledge about birds. Bird photography enthusiasts also joined in the event.

The Department of Agriculture noted that during the event, instructors from the New Taipei City Wild Bird Conservation Association and the Taiwan Wild Bird Federation guided participants to observe various birds including grey herons, great egrets, little egrets, black drongos, magpies, crested mynas, white-vented mynas, and common mynas. They also introduced how constructed wetlands recreate diverse aquatic habitats to restore riverside ecosystems. By utilizing natural gravity to discharge wastewater, these wetlands alleviate pollution while converting pollutants into nutrients for the wetland ecosystem. Participants learned that wetlands also serve as wildlife habitats, highlighting the interconnected relationship between wildlife and their living environments.

On the 24th, the Department of Agriculture and the New Taipei City Wild Bird Conservation Association jointly organized a family bird-watching activity at the Lujiaoxi Constructed Wetland. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Department of Agriculture)

This collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and the New Taipei City Wild Bird Conservation Association aimed to offer urban families a richer holiday experience. It encouraged participants to take a break from digital devices and engage with nature through observation and appreciation, fostering greater awareness of bird species and understanding the interdependent relationship between birds and the natural environment.

A bird in a high stance. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Department of Agriculture)

The Lujiaoxi Constructed Wetland, where the event took place, is one of New Taipei City’s ecological education zones and a haven for waterfowl and other wildlife. Hosting the event here aimed to help families deepen their understanding of the ecological environment through learning, thus fostering appreciation for environmental conservation and the importance of protecting birds to maintain ecological balance. “Green sustainability and human-bird coexistence” are essential for preserving global ecological harmony, and “protecting the environment and caring for birds” is a vital issue we must all address today.

On the 24th, the Department of Agriculture and the New Taipei City Wild Bird Conservation Association jointly organized a family bird-watching activity at the Lujiaoxi Constructed Wetland. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Department of Agriculture)