Turns out we’re so close to each other!“New Taipei City Bird-Watching Cheat Sheet” – 4 Top Spots Revealed

▲ Grey Heron in New Taipei City (Photo provided by New Taipei City Government; all following photos are from the same source)

Travel Desk / Comprehensive Report

Bird-watching right here in New Taipei City? The city boasts a rich diversity of wild birds, with up to 466 species observable year-round. The New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau has compiled the “New Taipei Bird-Watching Cheat Sheet,” highlighting 4 prime bird-watching locations. It includes answers to 9 common bird-watching questions, information on Taiwan’s protected bird species, characteristics of different birds, top bird-watching spots, and related websites for more birding info.

Li Wen, Director of the New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau, said: “Wild birds are among the most lively, nimble, and easily spotted creatures in our living environment. Out of approximately 626 bird species observable across Taiwan, over two-thirds can be seen in New Taipei City. Birds can be found in wetlands, parks, urban areas, suburbs, riversides, beaches, and even high mountains — ranging from large species like the Grey Heron and Crested Goshawk to smaller ones like the Japanese White-eye. Citizens don’t need to trek far, spend too much time, or money to enjoy bird-watching effortlessly.”

Recommended Prime Bird-Watching Spots in New Taipei City

1. Waziwei in Bali District, Golden Coast in Tamsui District (northern shore of the Tamsui River estuary), and Zhouzi Wetland and Huajiang Wetland in the Erchong Floodway

Location: From the Waziwei Nature Reserve at the southern shore of the Tamsui River estuary to the Hongshulin Nature Reserve at the northern midstream area, as well as the Luzhou exit of the Erchong Floodway and the Sanchong-Banqiao exit (where the Dahan River and Xindian River meet)
Best bird-watching season: September to March
Species: Mainly medium to large winter migratory waterfowl such as Anatidae, ducks, herons, rails, and snipes
Transportation: There are bike paths along both banks of the lower Tamsui River — biking is recommended for birding. Luzhou Wetland and Huajiang Wetland require your own transportation.

2. Guanyin Mountain in Bali District

Location: An independent mountain south of Waziwei Nature Reserve at the southern shore of the Tamsui River estuary
Best bird-watching season: March to May, September to November; especially good between 7:00 and 11:00
Species: Primarily raptors soaring in the sky; this is one of the key northern observation points for migratory raptors returning north in autumn
Transportation: Drive from Bali District via Road No. 50 north, then turn left onto Road No. 53, and continue onto Road No. 53-1 in Wugu District. On holidays, you can take a shuttle bus from the ferry terminal to the visitor center.

3. Huangxi River in Jinshan District, and Yehliu in Jinshan and Wanli Districts

Location: Coastal areas of Jinshan District and Wanli District adjacent to the eastern side of the North Coast scenic route
Best bird-watching season: March to May, September to November; especially good between 7:00 and 11:00
Species: Small migratory or wintering birds such as thrushes, larks, warblers, pipits, as well as hoopoes and paradise flycatchers
Transportation: Drive along Provincial Highway 2, or take a Kuo-Kuang Bus bound for Jinshan

4. Tianliaoyang in Gongliao District

Location: Inland wetland within the Northeast Coast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area, at the border of Yilan County and New Taipei City
Best bird-watching season: March to May, September to November
Species: Mainly wintering birds, along with rare medium to large waterfowl and small terrestrial birds
Transportation: Drive along Provincial Highway 2, or take an eastbound train and get off at Gongliao or Fulong Station

Download the “New Taipei Bird-Watching Cheat Sheet”

%?New Taipei City Bird-Watching Hotspots?

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