Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

As we welcome early 2026, a migratory bird spectacle is taking place at Shezidao Wetland! According to the Taipei City Hydraulic Engineering Office (HEO,) Shezidao Wetland is a key ecological secret of the city. Latest bird surveys have brought exciting news, including rare appearances by the endangered “Black-faced Spoonbill”. Furthermore, “Common Snipe” numbers have hit an all-time high, proving that the city's habitat conservation work is paying off.

According to the HEO, the Shezidao Wetland’s thriving bird life has turned it into a premier birdwatching destination, a rare natural escape in the heart of Northern Taiwan. According to monitoring data from January to March, 2025, a total of 53 species from 29 families was recorded, reaching 1,412 total sightings. The diversity of protected bird species is especially noteworthy. Alongside the endangered Class I Black-faced Spoonbill, the survey recorded six Class II “Rare and Valuable” species—Hen Harrier, Crested Goshawk, Black-winged Kite, Short-eared Owl, Greater Painted-snipe, and Crested Myna—together with Class III protected species including the Brown Shrike and Black-headed Munia. It is worth mentioning that the nocturnal “Short-eared Owl” was caught on camera, thanks to infrared technology mounted on raptor perches.

The “Common Snipe” is undoubtedly the highlight of birdwatching activities at Shezidao Wetland! According to the HEO, the elusive Common Snipe typically hides along the edges of wetland plants. However, winter 2025 saw a surprising surge, with numbers hitting an all-time high for this time of year. The success is largely attributed to habitat engineering that kept belts of reeds as hiding spots during low tide. Additionally, large-scale floating islands act as crucial sanctuaries for birds to rest during high tide. This “bird-friendly facility” has encouraged the naturally shy Common Snipes to stay longer.

There is also good news for fans of sandpipers, plovers, and other small wading birds. While global environmental shifts have been challenging, Shezidao Wetland’s habitat improvements are paying dividends, with small wader populations now on the rebound. According to statistics, compared to the low point in 2023, there is a 33% increase in small winter wader populations, indicating that habitat engineering projects are having a positive impact on ecological restoration. Although numbers of the Green-winged Teal have diminished in line with regional trends across the Tamsui River, they are still the most common winter visitors. Importantly, the wetland’s total biodiversity remains remarkably high.

Now is the ideal season for winter residents and spring migrants! The HEO encourages the public to head to the Shezidao Wetland Information Pavilion and nearby trails this weekend. Grab your binoculars and look for these feathered wetland visitors, but remember to stay back from the water’s edge so as not to disturb them. Let’s work together to safeguard this rare natural sanctuary.