Jiadong Wetland and Baishalun Coast is one of Taiwan's most important wintering habitats for the black-faced spoonbill: the 2024 global synchronized census recorded 6,988 spoonbills worldwide, with 4,135 (59.2%) in Taiwan and 423 in the Kaohsiung area including Jiadong; Baishalun preserves a rare natural dune landscape, with the richest bird activity during the autumn-winter migration season (roughly October to April).
According to the Chinese Wild Bird Federation's 2024 global synchronized black-faced spoonbill census, 6,988 birds were recorded worldwide — a new record, up 355 from the previous year. Taiwan recorded 4,135 birds, 59.2% of the global population, confirming it as the world's most important spoonbill wintering ground. The Kaohsiung area (including Jiadong Wetland, Yong'an Wetland, and the Gaoping River estuary) recorded 423 birds, a slight decrease from 2023.
Highlights of Jiadong Wetland
Jiadong Wetland borders the Taiwan Strait and is composed of coastal aquaculture ponds, natural sandbars, and intertidal zones — a diverse ecosystem providing critical wintering and foraging habitat for wading birds and waterbirds. The black-faced spoonbill is a species of particular conservation concern in Taiwan; with a global population of only a few thousand individuals, Jiadong is one of its key roosting sites in southern Taiwan. Black-winged stilts, black-headed gulls, and various sandpiper and plover species also appear regularly.
Baishalun Coast preserves a relatively intact natural dune formation and is one of the few coastal stretches along Kaohsiung's shore that has not been fully hardened. Dune vegetation consists mainly of coastal specialist plants and has significant value for coastal ecological education. Some observation trails and interpretive facilities are established around the wetland, suitable for self-guided birdwatching. Bring binoculars, and consult the Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society's regular bird condition reports for up-to-date information.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- From Kaohsiung city center, head north on Provincial Highway 17 (Coastal Highway) to Jiadong — about 30 to 40 minutes by car; no MRT service.
- The wetland and Baishalun Coast are open year-round with no admission fee. Autumn-winter migration season offers the best birdwatching.
- Some areas around the aquaculture ponds are privately owned. Observe only from public trails and roads; do not trespass.
Nearby Connections
- Head south along Provincial Highway 17 to Mituo Fishing Harbor and the mangroves, connecting a one-day tour of diverse west-coast wetland ecosystems.
- Hunei's Tianliao Yang migratory bird habitat is not far from Jiadong — plan a southern Kaohsiung migratory bird ecology half-day route.
Source: Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society Jiadong bird condition reports and Taiwan Wetlands Conservation Alliance ecological data. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see spoonbills at Jiadong?
The wintering season runs roughly October to April, with numbers peaking December to January.
How many black-faced spoonbills exist worldwide?
The 2024 global census recorded 6,988, with Taiwan hosting 4,135 (about 59.2%).
How many spoonbills does the Kaohsiung area have?
The 2024 census recorded 423 in the Kaohsiung area including Jiadong, a slight decrease from 2023.
How do you get to Jiadong Wetland?
Head north from central Kaohsiung on Provincial Highway 17 to Jiadong, about 30 to 40 minutes by car; there is no MRT service.
Sources
- 2024黑面琵鷺全球同步普查成果 | 中華民國野鳥學會 — 2024年全球/台灣/高雄黑面琵鷺普查數字