TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Kaohsiung City Government said on Monday (Oct. 28) that this year's first group of black-faced spoonbills arrived at Qieding Wetlands, launching autumn and winter migratory bird season.
The Kaohsiung City Public Works Bureau said as the weather cools, migratory birds will continue toward southern Taiwan. The bureau encouraged citizens to seize the opportunity to visit the wetland’s newest residents.
Bureau director Yang Chin-fu (楊欽富) said that every October, Kaohsiung welcomes a group of black-faced spoonbills who ride autumnal winds to travel southward to escape winter conditions. Qieding Wetlands is the temporary home to about 500 to 600 geese and ducks, with the population increasing as waves of migratory birds arrive daily, per Liberty Times.
Yang said the city government is committed to creating a sustainable wetland ecosystem and implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as “clean water and sanitation" and conservation of "life on land."
During autumn and winter at Qieding Wetlands, black-faced spoonbills can be counted in large numbers to stay and breed. Even the Baer's pochard, which numbers less than 1,000 in the wild, can be spotted in this wetland.
Kaohsiung area birdwatchers have been delighted by the arrival of the first wave of migratory birds this season.
Yang noted that winter has yet to arrive, though migratory waterfowl have begun to arrive. The wetlands now have residents such as black-winged stilt, garganey, northern shoveler, Eurasian wigeon, and northern pintail.
A group of black-faced spoonbills were the latest species to arrive, with their presence announcing the unofficial start of the migratory bird season.
The Public Works Bureau said the pristine Qieding Wetlands welcomes migratory waterfowl from the northern and southern hemispheres. It reminded the public to maintain a proper distance from migratory birds and obey basic principles: no frightening, no luring, no catching, and no chasing.
Furthermore, the public is reminded not to leave garbage behind when visiting the wetland. All citizens are urged to jointly protect the earth's precious natural resources and maintain sustainable ecology for future generations.
