Wutai Wetlands Bird Sanctuary Introduction
Wuwei Harbor, despite its name, is actually a coastal wetland marsh. It was originally a river located in the southeastern part of the Lanyang Plain, but due to the blockage of the river mouth, the water could not be drained, hence the name "Wuwei Harbor." This marsh covers an area of 102 hectares and is rich in aquatic flora and fauna. Situated on the migratory route for wintering birds in autumn and winter, it attracts many migratory birds looking for food and rest, and was officially designated as Taiwan's first waterbird protection area in 1993. This expansive wintering stopover for geese and ducks has recorded over 170 species of birds, including waterfowl and landbirds. Starting in November each year, thousands of geese and ducks make their way to the area, with the most numerous being the Eurasian Wigeon, followed by the Northern Shoveler and the Northern Pintail. Various shorebirds from the family Scolopacidae and Charadriidae can be found in nearby rice fields and fish ponds, while woodlands and dry fields host common land birds. Rare migratory and stray birds are often spotted at the confluence of the Xincheng River. This rich and diverse avian ecology makes the area a birdwatching paradise, with the best season for birdwatching being from October to February of the following year. During this time, many bird enthusiasts brave the cold winds, bringing professional equipment to observe and photograph the birds. The management office has also set up birdwatching platforms, observation trails, and birdwatching huts within the protection area, allowing visitors to stroll and search for wild birds at their leisure. If you enjoy capturing the elegant and adorable poses of waterbirds with your camera, you can quietly wait in the birdwatching hut for the perfect photo opportunity. **Tip**: For visitors who have limited knowledge of migratory birds, there are enthusiastic volunteers from the Wuwei Harbor Cultural and Educational Promotion Association available to provide guided explanations, so feel free to take advantage of this service.
