Hsiu-Cuo Harbor Wetland Introduction
Following the West Coast Highway, heading south past Zhuwei Fishing Harbor, you will visit a coastal paradise where the Laojiexi and Shuangxi River converge. The ocean is beautiful, the sky is blue, and the Black-naped Oriole flies elegantly while the mudskippers peek out with their adorable faces. Time flows slowly like the windmills turning gently by the shore. Originally an abandoned military camp, Xucuoharbor has developed into the best stopover for migratory birds due to its well-established river system and favorable estuarine geography. 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 bicycle paths and boardwalks through the mangroves, there are hardly any artificial structures. At first glance, it may seem unremarkable, but this place actually hides many "national treasures," with rich native ecology that offers different surprises every visit. Designated as an important habitat for wild birds by BirdLife International, the Xucuoharbor Wetlands attract numerous birdwatchers every year from October to May, who eagerly anticipate encounters with migratory birds such as the Black-faced Spoonbill, the Great Egret, the Black-headed Gull, and the Little Tern. The wetlands, featuring intertidal zones, windbreak forests, fish ponds, and rice paddies, serve as a major rest stop for migratory birds that are making their way south. The current bird species count exceeds 200, accounting for approximately 41% of Taiwan's total of 560 species. Birds gather here to feed and rest, creating a tranquil ecological landscape. Binoculars, single-lens reflex cameras, a non-intrusive attitude, and an unhurried schedule are essential for birdwatching. The Xucuoharbor Wetlands is not only one of the best habitats for wild birds in Taoyuan but also a natural classroom to learn about the beauty of intertidal ecology; more than one hundred plant species, including Taiwan's bulrush, Paulownia trees, mangrove vines, and arrowhead plants, along with amphibians like pond frogs and Taiwanese endemic species can be discovered here.
