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| Wuling |
Delivering clients to climb Xue Shan (Snow Mountain) gave me an opportunity to explore Wuling Farm for almost 2 days. The weather was mostly wet and cool. And, because this was a long holiday weekend, in places there were plenty of humans admiring the splendid sakura blossoms. Despite the imperfect conditions Wuling exceeded expectations - easy strolling in great great facilities. An excellent end to the first two months of this project.
Note I have a self-guided package tour for Wuling. Suitable for those wanting a bit of luxury - or with non-birders in tow.
Wuling Farm is located in a high-mountain valley 3 hours to the southeast of Taipei. Though technically within Taichung County, it is easiest to approach from Yilan County or the Hehuan/Taroko area (as Highway #8’s western section is closed between Guguan and Lishan). Note: Wuling Farm has nothing to do with Wuling - the highest pass at Hehuan Mountain.
Spent some time watching from the bridges hoping to glimpse some of the Mandarin Ducks resident here, instead I was entertained by the many Brown Dippers - the bird of the trip. Had great views of a Little Forktail travelling up and down the artificial, terraced stream (where it intersects with the main road) on the south side of the Hoya Hotel.
Caught glimpse near the tea fields on the east bank of the Cijia River of a Red-billed Blue Magpie. Hopefully this is the last specimen of this released species in Taiwan, surprised this one has not been removed.
Taiwan Partridge. 7 near the trailhead for Snow Mountain.
Brown W. Heard only. near Snow Mountain trailhead.
Black-throated Tits. Over 20 seen at various locations.
Brown-Bullfinch. 1 near Qika Cabin.
Russet Sparrow. Over 10 seen near lower tea plantation. Very pleased to see.
Green-backed Tit.
Taiwan Liocicla. A couple in scrub-trees below Snow Trailhead,
Taiwan Yuhinia. Numerous.
Plumbeous Redstart. Numerous.
Red-flanked Bluetail. 1
Rufous-faced Warbler
Eurasian Nuthatch. 2 near Snow Mountain Trail head
Striated Prinia. 2 near Taoshan Waterfall trailhead.
Brown Dipper. Found easily at all likely locations.
White-eared Sibia. About 10 at various locations.
Kestrel. Excellent views at higher campground.
Besra.
Large-billed Crow.
Tree Sparrow. Japanese White-eyes.
White, and Grey Wagtail. Light-vented Bulbul, Black Bulbul,
Eurasian Jay. 1 in the pine forest near Taoshan Waterfall.
Collared Bush Robin. 3 at Snow Mountain trailhead.
Flamecrest. 2 on the way to Qika Cabin, 2 in forest above campground area.
Mountain Scops-owl
Rufous-capped Babbler
Taiwan Barwing. Several, mostly in forest near Qika Cabin.
Grey-cheeked Fulvetta
Yellow Tit. Near campground and Qika.
Formosan Whistling Thrush. 2 near toll station.
Species hoped for but not seen: Coal Tit, Grey-throated Minivet, Vivid Niltavia, Mountain Hawk-Eagle. Neither Swinhoe’s or Mikado Pheasant were encountered. Swinhoe’s is possible at the tea/fruit farm on the east side of the river - especially in May, and the Mikado on the trail to Taoshan Waterfall. Both Swinhoe’s and Mikado are occasionally seen on the trail to Qika Cabin - which I had permission to walk this time. The upper part of Wuling (around and above the camping area) can be good for raptors.
Other fine creatures: Formosan Landlocked Salmon, Chinese Weasel, Perny's Long-nosed Squirrel, Formosan Macaque (monkey), Muntjac (Barking Deer, several heard only), Red and White Giant Flying Squirrel, other hikers reported seeing a Yellow-throated Marten.
New birds at Wuling Farm:
Brown Wood-Owl Strix leptogrammica (heard only)
Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans
Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii
Besra Accipiter virgatus Taiwan Endemic Subspecies (A. v. fuscipectus)
Red-billed Blue Magpie, Urocissa erythrorhyncha
Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius "Endemic subspecies (G. g. taivanus)"
New bird March 1st in Sicao, Tainan.
Little Curlew Numenius minutus
