Wushao River Wetland Bird Sanctuary Introduction
Wuti Harbor, despite its name suggesting it is a port, is actually a coastal wetland marsh. It was originally a river located to the southeast of the Lanyang Plain, but due to sedimentation blocking the river mouth, the water could not drain, hence the name "Wuti Harbor". This expanse of 102 hectares is rich in aquatic flora and fauna, and being on the migration route of autumn and winter migratory birds attracts many wintering birds seeking food and rest. In 1993, it officially became Taiwan's first waterbird sanctuary. The vast wintering stopover for geese and ducks has recorded over 170 species of birds, including both waterbirds and landbirds. Starting from November, thousands of geese and ducks gradually appear, with the most numerous being the little grebe, followed by the northern shoveler and the black-headed gull. Various shorebirds from the family Scolopacidae and Charadriidae can be found in the nearby rice paddies and fish ponds, while woodland and dry fields host typical lowland birds. At the outlet of Xin Cheng River, rare migratory birds and vagrants are often spotted. This rich diversity and large population of bird species make Wuti Harbor a birdwatching paradise, with the best birdwatching season occurring from October to February of the following year, when many bird enthusiasts brave the cold winds with their professional equipment to observe and photograph. The management office has also set up birdwatching platforms, observation trails, and birdwatching huts in the sanctuary, allowing visitors to stroll while searching for traces of wild birds in a leisurely manner. For those who enjoy capturing the elegant and adorable poses of waterbirds with their cameras, they can quietly await the perfect moment in the birdwatching cabin. **A little reminder**: For visitors who may not be well-acquainted with migratory birds, there are enthusiastic volunteers from the Wuti Harbor Education Promotion Association providing guided tours, and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of this service.
