Dongshin Forest District Office and Chinese Wild Bird Federation organized “Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area International Bird Race 2011” and attracted more than 100 local and international birdwatchers to participate this competition. The champion team of the Professional group has recorded 98 species of birds and 67 species of birds were recorded by the champion team of the Promotional group.
This was the first International Bird Race that has ever been organized in Taiwan. International birdwatchers from Great Britain, Canada, Hong Kong and Malaysia were invited to participate this magnificent event. The racing teams were divided into Professional group and Promotional group. It was a 24 hour race starting from 11a.m. on 29th April and closing at 11a.m. on 30th April, 2011. Birdwatchers from all over Taiwan as well as the world got together to enjoy birdwatching at the superb natural environment of Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area.
This bird race was specially organized to promote the beauty of Taiwan nature and to celebrate the centennial celebration of Taiwan. We hope that the bird race may increase the interest of birdwatching and have more bird-watchers to do bird survey. It may also raise public awareness on wildlife and habitats conservation.
The international contestants were amazed when they saw Mikado Pheasant. They were also impressive and positive to such a meaningful event. The office of Dongshih Forest Administration announced that 141 species of birds and 1205 of birds were recorded by more than a hundred birdwatchers within 24 hours. It’s very fruitful and successful.
The champion team of the professional group was Yuhe who has successfully recorded 98 species of birds. And the champion team of promotional group was National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) who has managed to record 67 species of birds. There were 1,205 and 495 birds in number were recorded respectively in the Professional champion team and the Promotional champion team. The eldest team was 68 years old in ever age and the youngest team14 years old in average. This has proved that birdwatching is suitable for all ages.
Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area has been known as one of the bird paradise for the bird-watchers. The Dongshih Forest Administration would like to remind the public keep quiet while entering this forest recreational area. Do enjoy the peacefulness from the surroundings. Keep your eyes open to the trees and bushes where you may encounter surprises in the forest.
Liang Li, Liu
Amazing international bird racing in 24 hours was held at Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area, 141 bird species breaking the record totally were observed by 37 teams with over 130 bird watchers. All the principles for bird-watching in these areas, such as biodiversity (more species), visible accessibility, multiple routes/ reciprocal routes, safety of transportation, and convenience of accommodation are ready for our competitors and friends from Indonesia, U.K., Canada, and H.K. Not only participants but also judges are really appreciative for all kind supports of the Dongshih Forest District Office. We believed that everyone has got wonderful experience in this first international bird racing which was held in Taiwan and it will be held in future. All teams were very happy to say-we will be back.
