Lanyang River Estuary Introduction
A bicycle and a pair of binoculars make birdwatching quite simple. Located near Donggang in Yilan, the Lanyang River Estuary is where the Yilan River, Dongshan River, and Lanyang River converge, forming a typical river delta fan. The sedimented sand dunes create marshy areas, making it a habitat for water birds, along with species like eel larvae. It is a popular international birdwatching site, designated as one of the "Twelve Major Wetlands of Taiwan" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Wetland Survey in Asia. The period from October to April of the following year is the season for migratory birds to winter here and for tourists to observe birds, with the busiest times being from November to March. As Taiwan's most important waterbird stopover, the Lanyang River Estuary has recorded up to 236 species of birds over the years. The Lanyang Plain, surrounded by mountains and facing the sea, creates numerous wetlands and sandbars, making it a perfect resting station for migratory birds traveling along the central Pacific route. Spring brings the sight of shorebirds returning north in waves, migrating from the south, and every year, there are stunning rare bird species that take refuge or pass through, such as the black-faced spoonbill, greater white-fronted goose, grey goose, grey crane, black stork, plover, little egret, mandarin duck, little grebe, and gadwall. Additionally, gulls can be seen year-round here, making it the place with the most diverse species of gulls in the country. Each year, the migration of birds attracts many bird enthusiasts who come with family and friends, equipped with binoculars to carefully observe wild birds soaring, often accompanied by the sound of crashing waves, enjoying the dynamic water scene, and gazing at Guishan Island across the water. It's recommended to use the coastal bike path as the main route, leisurely cycling to enjoy the tranquil birdwatching and scenic time.
