Hsiu Tso Wetlands Introduction
Following the Western Coastal Highway and heading south past Zhuwei Fishing Port, visitors can explore the coastal paradise where the Lao-Jie River and Shuangkou River converge. The sea is beautiful, the sky is blue, and the Black-naped Oriole soars gracefully while the mudskipper curiously peers around. Time flows gently like the windmills by the shore. Originally an abandoned military camp, Hsu-Tsui Port has developed into an ideal stopover for migratory birds due to its rich river systems and well-formed estuary. Covering an area of 961 hectares and stretching 10.5 kilometers, it has been designated as an "important wetland (national level)" by the Ministry of the Interior. Aside from the bike paths and the wooden boardwalks through the mangroves, there are hardly any man-made structures. At first glance, it may seem unremarkable, but there are actually many "national treasures" hidden here, with a rich primitive ecology that offers different surprises with each visit! Hsu-Tsui Port Wetland has been recognized by BirdLife International as an important habitat for wild birds. From October to May each year, it attracts many bird watchers hoping to encounter migratory birds such as the Black-faced Spoonbill, Great Egret, Black-headed Gull, and Little Tern. This wetland, featuring intertidal zones, windbreaks, fish ponds, and rice fields, serves as a significant resting station for birds during their mass southward migration. Currently, there are over 200 bird species recorded here, accounting for about 41% of Taiwan's total of 560 species. Birds gather here to forage and rest, creating a serene ecological landscape. A telescope, a single-lens reflex camera, a non-disruptive attitude, and a leisurely schedule are all essentials for birdwatching. Hsu-Tsui Port Wetland is not only one of the best habitats for wild birds in Taoyuan but also a natural classroom for appreciating the beauty of intertidal ecology. Visitors can discover over a hundred species of plants, including Taiwan's bulrush, hackberry tree, saddle vine, and buttercup, as well as amphibians like the Asian Common Frog and the Black-spotted Pond Frog, along with many endemic species of Taiwan.
