TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Around 7,000 migratory birds were spotted settling in Chiayi’s Budai Wetland in December, CNA reported on Friday.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency said among these birds, 800 were the endangered black-faced spoonbills.

The agency has partnered with the Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society to improve the environment in Budai Wetland. These efforts include creating suitable habitats for migratory birds, promoting environmental education, and conducting ecological surveys and monitoring. 

The agency said last year’s abundant rainfall and habitat improvements led to a significant increase in species and the number of migratory birds. In October, around 460 black-faced spoonbills were spotted in Budai Wetland.

Habitat creation efforts include excavating water channels, adding mounds, and creating shallow ditches. These measures aim to provide migratory birds with an environment that features varied elevations.

In summer, the wetlands provide a refuge for migratory birds when water levels rise. In winter, they offer shelter from the wind.

In October, nearly 600 bird species, including black-faced spoonbills, Eurasian wigeon, and Northern shoveler were spotted in Kaohsiung’s Jiading Wetland.