Posted on: May 15, 2014
Report by South West Coast Scenic Area
The “2014 Taiwan Birdathon” is a 30 hour birdwatching race, to be held on 1-2 Nov 2014 in Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan City. The event is organised by Southwest Coast National Scenic Area Administration in collaboration with the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Alishan National Scenic Area Administration, Sirata National Scenic Area Administration, Yunlin County Government, Chiayi County Government, Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau and Wild Bird Society of Tainan. Last year, a total of 25 teams participated, with local and international birders from eight countries including Taiwan, Canada, Malaysia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand and the United States. The Wild Bird Society of Taipei was the champion team with a recorded 125 species. Totally 217 species of birds recorded in the 30-hour race. Among them are 20 endemic species.
The coastline area of the three counties of Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan is a flat alluvial shore, and its most commonly seen geographic features are shoals, lagoons, and estuary wetlands. The diversity of ecosystem makes it abundant in wildlife resource especially for birds. It is perfect for an event like international birdwatching race.
The Director of the Administration of Southwest Coast National Scenic Area, Dr. Cheng says that different types of wetlands along the Southwest Coast make it a paradise for birds. Black-faced Spoonbill is the international star here. Every year more than 1600 Black-faced Spoonbills take this area as their wintering habitat. More than that, Budai area is the only place where Black-faced Spoonbill can be seen all year since there are some juveniles stay here in the Summer. Besides, there are lots of birds like Plover, Sandpiper, warbler, Egret and Duck waiting to be seen. The Registration for 2014 Taiwan Birdathon is starting and its deadline is on 15 September.
sharp-tailed sandpiper © Glenn Ehmke
Original Link: http://en.taiwanbirdathon.org/
