Lanyang River Estuary. A bicycle and a pair of binoculars, birdwatching can be that simple. A bicycle and a pair of binoculars, birdwatching can be that simple. Located near Donggang in Yilan, the Lanyang River Estuary is a typical river mouth alluvial fan landscape where the Yilan River, Dongshan River, and Lanyang River converge. The accumulated sand dunes form a wetland area, attracting not only fish like glass eels but also a large number of waterbirds, making it a popular international birdwatching spot. It has been designated as one of the "Twelve Major Wetlands in Taiwan" by the Asian Wetlands Inventory of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). From October to April each year is the season for migratory birds to winter here and for tourists to go birdwatching, with the period from November to March being the liveliest. As Taiwan's most important stopover for waterbirds, the Lanyang River Estuary has recorded as many as 236 species of birds over the years. With the Lanyang Plain facing the sea and backed by mountains, it forms numerous wetlands and sandbars. Being centrally located along the Pacific migratory route, it serves as a resting place for winter migratory birds traveling south and north, and a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. During the spring migration north, shorebirds can be seen arriving in waves from the south and heading north. Rare birds, such as Black-faced Spoonbills, Greater White-fronted Geese, Greylag Geese, Demoiselle Cranes, Black Storks, Oystercatchers, Little Egrets, Spot-billed Ducks, Common Teal, and Northern Pintails, are often found lingering or passing through each year, much to the delight of visitors. Additionally, throughout the year
Address: 宜蘭縣壯圍鄉廍後路12-6號
Hours: 00:00–23:59
Yilan