TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- Located on the southwest coast of Taiwan, Taijiang National Park has a total area of 39,310 hectares, including sea and land areas. It is the only national park in Taiwan that is blessed with wetlands.

Established in 2009, Taijiang National Park has diverse wetland ecosystems, historical sites of Taiwanese ancestors’ reclamation, along with traditional fish-farming and salt culture.

Wetlands are most ideal habitats for wintering birds. Every year in autumn, when northeasterly winds begin to pick up, migratory birds come from the north, and the most notable species is the Black-faced Spoonbill.

By the end of autumn, fishermen lower water in their fish ponds after harvest to have the bottom exposed to the sun for sterilization. The small fishes that have no economic value are left in the shallow water

They become food for winter visitors, creating a nourishing environment.

The Black-faced Spoonbill is an endangered species, yet more than 40% of them come to Taijiang for wintering.

The Black-faced Spoonbill got its name from its black face that has a flat spoon-like beak. As they are more active during nighttime, they always gather at open and undisturbed estuaries or fish ponds for rest at daytime. When they hunt, they dip their flat and long beak into the water and sway it to find fish or shrimps for food.

In order to facilitate bird watching, Taijiang National Park has built pavilions equipped with telescopes.