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 With its rivers and mountains,Taiwan's landscapes are diversified and awe-inspiring, a true paradise for bird watchers. With its rivers and mountains, Taiwan 's landscapes are diversified and awe-inspiring.
Extreme differences in the elevation of various parts of the island and the Asian tropical oceanic climate are responsible for such diversity and abundance in the native flora and fauna. Environmental conservation is a strong emerging concept here, and it is influencing national policy and lifestyles all across the island. The six national parks and many environmental groups are testaments to Taiwan 's collective environmental awareness, and have been critical in making Taiwan a haven for birds (and bird watchers!). As the benefits of environmental conservation emerge, a greater range of biodiversity will follow, and more and rarer birds will flock to the sanctuary that is Taiwan . For bird watchers, Taiwan is one of the best sites in Asia to catch a peek at all kinds of birds.
Popular bird watching areas
Yilan Swamplands
Yilan swamplands, situated on the Lanyang Plains, make for an ideal habitat for all kinds of water foul. Numerous wild ducks call this place home from September to May -- their migration season. Popular bird watching spots include the Lanyang River estuary, Wusheijia, and Wuweigang, and are only two to three hours' drive from Taipei . These vast swamplands are an ideal environment in which to observe wild water foul in their natural surroundings.
Cigu Marsh
Cigu Marsh, Tainan is a major rest stop for migrating black-faced spoonbills. Every October, bird watchers descend on the marshlands to view the hoards of spoonbills. Visitors also like to view the salt mounds, which give the marsh a unique look. Cigu Marsh is yet another ideal venue affording bird enthusiasts the opportunity to observe birds in their natural environment.
Kenting National Park
This park features not only coral reef landscapes, but also ideal diving venues. Birds of prey are frequent visitors to Kenting National Park , including the Grey Frog Hawk and Grey-faced Buzzard Eagle. The Grey-faced Buzzard is also named the Double Tenth Bird because this bird symbolizes the Double Tenth holiday ( Taiwan 's national day). According to park records, the maximum number of birds of prey passing through the park in one day numbered 30,000! For bird watchers who are partial to checking out birds of prey, Kenting National Park is not to be missed!
Mt. Hohuan
At an elevation of 3,500 kilometers, Mt. Hohuan is a paradise for birds that prefer high elevation. The beautiful snowy scenery draws crowds in the winter. June and July are prime bird watching months on the mountain. Enjoy the birds against the backdrop of the big azure sky and broad grasslands.
Penghu
Penghu is an archipelago consisting of 64 islands of various sizes. Some uninhabited islands make ideal homes for terns. Bird watchers visit such islands from May to June to view the large flocks of terns soaring in the sky. The lack of humans allows bird watchers to catch a rare glimpse of how birds live in a truly wild environment.
  
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