Text/Photo Compilation & Reporting by Wei Ruyu
To introduce the public to the seabirds of offshore islands, the Taipei Wild Bird Society has organized the “Turtle Island Seabird Flight Tour” on May 3, and the “Penghu Seagull Appreciation & Cultural-Natural Experience” from June 23 to 25. Registration is now open—interested individuals are encouraged to sign up soon.
Turtle Island has long been a landmark of the Lanyang Plain and is symbolic of a spiritual turtle guarding the region. Designated as a military restricted area for over twenty years, it was finally reopened to the public for island visits in August 2000. With most of the island remaining undisturbed for a long time, it boasts rich and diverse ecosystems and has earned the reputation of being a “marine nature park.” The renowned and breathtaking scenery of Turtle Island further amazes visitors with the wonders of nature’s creation.
The movement, habitat, and breeding habits of birds form a beautiful animation in nature; pictured here is the boobies (photo provided by Chen Wangshi).
Located in the middle of the Taiwan Strait, the Penghu Archipelago serves as a stopover for migratory birds traveling north and south. Summer is the peak season for the abundant spawning of sardines, attracting terns that “follow the fish,” choosing the relatively undisturbed uninhabited islands of Penghu to breed. The main species of terns that fly to Penghu to breed in summer include the little tern, bridled tern, white-winged tern, sooty tern, roseate tern, and crested tern. These migratory birds regard Penghu as their largest breeding ground. For Penghu, this is considered the greatest gift bestowed upon it.
The “Turtle Island Seabird Flight Tour” is priced at NT$1,550 for members and NT$1,800 for non-members (day trip with round-trip transportation, boat fare, and insurance included; please bring your own light snacks), while the “Penghu Seagull Appreciation & Cultural-Natural Experience” is NT$10,500 for members and NT$11,800 for non-members (includes round-trip flights between Taiwan and Penghu, local transport, inter-island boat fares, insurance, two nights’ accommodation, and seven meals). For more details, please contact the Taipei Wild Bird Society at www.wbst.org.tw or call 02-2325-9190.
● Extended Reading: In Search of the Mythical Bird of Matsu
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