Oriental Turtle Dove @ Xitou Nature Education Area, Central Taiwan

Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis) is an attractive, colorful and cute bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in Xitou Nature Education Area, Central Taiwan.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1250, F 5.6, EV -0.7

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in Taiwan

Bird photography and bird watching in Taiwan have been getting very good attention and have captured overwhelming response from the local and foreigners alike. This can be witnessed by number of professional, enthusiast, serious hobbyist and beginners, men and women bird photographers and bird watchers at any birding location in the country.

Special attention has been given by the Forestry and Tourism Departments to promote outdoor activities including bird photography and bird watching in the forest recreational areas in the country. One of the annual activity organized by the departments includes Dasyueshan National Forest Recreational Area Bird Race, which draws international attention and participations.

Kindly be reminded that feeding and calling of birds are strictly prohibited throughout the country.  Signs are placed along the road leading to the mountains, both at Dasyueshan and Xitou.

Best time to visit Taiwan

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching activities in the mountainous areas in the country, the best time to visit the country is during winter and spring; from December to May. 

During this period, temperature is between 5 - 18 degree centigrade during day time and it goes down to between 0 - 5 degree centigrade during night time and early morning. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during winter hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long. However, intermittent rain is experienced during spring. 

Exciting Bird Photography and Bird Watching Locations

Exciting bird photography and bird watching locations include Dasyueshan National Forest Recreational Area and Xitou Nature Education Area. 

Both places are located in central part of the country and they can be reached in approximately two and half hours drive from the airport, Taoyuan international airport. Alternative mode of transportation is by bus from Taichung city, which takes approximately one and half hour.

Although Dasyueshan and Xitou are located in small town some 160 km away from Taichung city, to cater for both local and foreign visitors visiting the areas, there are adequate hotels, resorts and guesthouses of different standards and prices. Not forgetting restaurants, cafe, convenience shops of different kinds and standards. 

For bird lovers, both Dasyueshan and Xitou certainly are places to test your passion and perseverance in getting the best from the mountainous forest of Taiwan. More importantly they are home to more than 60 species of endemic birds of Taiwan. 

Since these two Recreational Forests are popular destinations for outdoor activities and family get away especially during weekend, be there early and wait for the desire lighting to come and search for the exotic birds.

Daily entrance fee of New Taiwan Dollar of NT$200 and NT$220 or approximately USD6 is payable at the entrance of Dasyueshan and Xitou respectively.