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A Jinshan Birdwatching Trip: Wistron colleagues Goes Birding
Birdwatching is a perfect blend of intellectual and leisurely pursuits. By observing beautiful and lively wild birds, we not only learn about their habitats but also gain a deeper appreciation for the coexistence of humans and birds in the natural environment. This experience subtly plants the seeds of ecological conservation in our minds.
The day before the "Come to Jinshan, let's go birding" event, a downpour struck, but the next day brought cool, comfortable weather—a perfect condition, as professional birdwatchers would see it. This stroke of luck allowed the Wistron colleagues to witness firsthand Jinshan's Qingshui Wetlands' reputation as a bird paradise. On April 13th, bird activity was exceptionally high. Raptors like the Black-kite, Eastern Buzzard, and Besra sparrowhawk soared through the sky, while the wetland was bustling with waterbirds. Hundreds of Eastern Cattle Egrets and Black-winged Stilts were estimated to be present, flying in flocks as the raptors circled above, creating a scene right out of a Discovery documentary. Other species included the Great Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Teal, Marsh Sandpiper, Grey-throated Martin, and even the rare Purple Heron and Greater Painted-snipe surprisingly appeared, drawing gasps of surprise from the group.
The event then moved to Shitoushan Park, where the group encountered the Taiwan Scimitar-babbler, Taiwan Barbet, Light-vented Bulbul, Rufous-capped Babbler, and Grey Treepie along the trails. From the lookout point, with its panoramic view of "The Opposing Candlesticks Islets", they were amazed to spot a Peregrine Falcon resting on a rock and were thrilled by the sight of a Blue Rock Thrush. The Wistron colleagues diligently recorded the species and numbers they saw, not wanting to miss any feathered visitor. In the end, the group observed a total of 51 species from 23 families and more than 450 birds, making this an unforgettable and precious birdwatching experience.
Left: Black Kite, Egrets, Black-winged Stilt; Right: Greater Painted-snipe
Wistron colleagues Show a Passion for Learning, Earning Unanimous Praise from Three Wild Bird Society of Taipei Instructors
The birdwatching activity was led by three current and former directors of the Wild Bird Society of Taipei, who highly praised the Wistron colleagues' performance. Director Lee Chao-Hsien commented, "Although half of the participants were first-time birdwatchers, they quickly mastered the use of binoculars after a brief introduction and enjoyed the beauty of the birds. Everyone was very serious about learning and recording the birds they observed, and they had excellent interaction during the explanations. They showed a keen interest in bird identification techniques, asking questions like the distinguishing features between the Eastern Cattle Egret and the Little Egret, and whether the Grey Heron and the Black-crowned Night Heron are the same species. These questions demonstrated the Wistron colleagues' enthusiasm and desire to learn, which made us, as instructors, feel very satisfied and happy." Current Supervisor Li Yun-lung added, "A small nature observation trip like this can surely ignite a spark. I hope more Wistron colleagues and their families will become 'birders' and experience the 'truth, goodness, and beauty' of nature, leading them to cherish the environment and get involved in conservation efforts."
The birding record sheets of Wistron colleagues
Mr. Jui-Lin Chang, the Chairman, mentioned: "The success of a satisfying birding activity doesn't just come from the guide. What matters most is the participants' attitude. I'm so glad we had such a high-quality group of Wistron colleagues actively participate. It's clear that everyone was eager to learn, and it was great to see their care for the environment. I hope we'll have another chance to go birding with Wistron colleagues again and work together to help preserve Taiwan's ecosystem."
The instructors from the Wild Bird Society of Taipei were deeply impressed by the enthusiasm of the participants. They also encouraged the Wistron colleagues to spend more time outdoors and to participate in the free weekly birdwatching activities organized by the society. By starting with an appreciation for bird ecology, they can further their understanding of how environmental changes affect wildlife, recognize the importance of biodiversity, and contribute to conserving nature and protecting our future. This is not just a sign of respect for nature but also a commitment to the environmental sustainability of future generations.
Left: Cattle Egret; Right: Purple Heron
Capturing the Wonder of Nature: Wistron colleagues Reflect on Their Birdwatching Experience
The Wistron colleagues transformed their birdwatching experience into heartfelt words of gratitude and emotion. Among them, Hsu Chia-Chi and her family, Hsu Chia-Ling documented their deep connection with nature in a delicate and touching way. Their sincere and evocative writing was invited for publication in Yuhina Post, the monthly magazine of the Wild Bird Society of Taipei. This honor is not only a testament to their personal efforts but also a tribute to the Wistron colleagues' commitment to nature and ecological conservation.
Yuhina Post, Issue 362: 'Come to Jinshan, let's go birding' Reflections from Wistron Colleagues (Hsu Chia-Ling, Hsu Chia-Chi)