Lanyang River Estuary Introduction
A bicycle and a pair of binoculars can make birdwatching quite simple. Located near Donggang in Yilan, the Lanyang River Estuary is where the Yilan River, Dongshan River, and Lanyang River converge. This area features a typical river delta alluvial fan landscape, with accumulating sand dunes forming marshlands. As a result, in addition to eel fry and other fish species, many waterbirds can often be seen here, making it a popular international birdwatching site. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has designated it as one of "Taiwan's Twelve Major Wetlands." From October to April of the following year is the season when migratory birds spend the winter here and birdwatching tourists visit, with the period from November to March particularly lively. As the most important waterbird stopover in Taiwan, the Lanyang River Estuary has recorded up to 236 species of birds over the years. Due to the Lanyang Plain being surrounded by mountains and facing the sea, multiple swamps and sandbars have formed, and its central location on the Pacific migration route makes it a rest point for migratory birds traveling north and south, creating a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. In spring, one can observe waves of shorebirds arriving from the south to head north. Notably, every year sees the arrival of remarkable rare species such as the Black-faced Spoonbill, Greater White-fronted Goose, Grey Goose, Crane, Black Stork, Kentish Plover, Little Egret, Spot-billed Duck, and Gadwall. Additionally, the area is home to a variety of gull species throughout the year, making it the place with the most species of gulls in the country. During the migratory season, many bird lovers are drawn here to bring along friends and family, equipped with binoculars to watch wild birds soaring gracefully. Visitors can often hear the sound of crashing waves, enjoy the ever-changing water dance of the waves, and gaze towards Turtle Island across the way. It's recommended to use the coastal bike path as the main route to leisurely ride and enjoy the peaceful birdwatching and scenic views.
