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Richard was a fantastic all around guide - brilliant birding infused with history, culture, language and great patience and humor.
D.K, USA, March '24
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Taiwan - Endemics & Winter Birds
Tour Code: TWN01A 10-day tour focusing on Taiwan's endemic birdlife and stunning scenery.
10 days
from
£3,995
£3,995
Land only price
from
£3,295
£3,295
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Taiwan’s well-protected forests are home to 28 endemic bird species, over 55 endemic subspecies and an additional array of other east Asian specialities. This tour will focus on seeing as many of Taiwan’s special species as possible. Sought-after lowland species such as Mikado’s and Swinhoe’s Pheasants will be among our first target species before we head to mid and higher elevations, where we will search for a variety of endemics and other specialities including raptors, Savannah Nightjar, Himalayan Wood Owl and a range of scops-owl species. Transferring to Taiwan’s west coast in search of terns, spoonbills, sandplovers, sandpipers, stints and other wetland birds, we will also check out scrubby embankments for species such as Golden-headed Cisticola. A 2-night stay in a low mountain forest managed by the indigenous Atayal tribe will conclude this fast-paced birdwatching holiday. Among many other interesting species, this forest is home to the stunning Formosan Magpie and Silver-backed Needletail, making it a wonderful finale to the trip.
- Enjoy great views of a vast variety of endemic species
- Look for lowland species such as Swinhoe’s Pheasant in Dasyueshan Forest
- Taiwan Rosefinch & the endemic Taiwan Fulvetta among higher elevation species
- Japanese Sparrowhawk, Black Eagle & Mountain Hawk-eagle among raptors
- Visit wintering ground for 2,500 Black-faced Spoonbills
- Taiwan has good infrastructure, an interesting culture & delicious food!
Grading
Traditional fast-paced birdwatching tour with a moderate amount of walking on good surfaces.
Known to early Portuguese sailors as ‘Isla Formosa’ or ‘the beautiful island’, Taiwan is home to 28 endemic bird species (plus over 55 endemic subspecies), as well as a wide assortment of other east Asian specialities that reside in its well protected forests. Despite this, few Westerners have experienced Taiwan’s birdlife, and this tour will focus on seeing as many special species as possible, whilst on an island blessed with a good infrastructure, intriguing culture and delectable food!
On arrival in Taipei, we have the opportunity to familiarise ourselves with some of the common lowland species before moving to the mountains for a 3-night stay in the Dasyueshan Forest to search for a wide variety of species, including such sought-after endemics as Swinhoe’s and Mikado Pheasants. At higher elevations we will also look for Taiwan Rosefinch and the endemic Taiwan Fulvetta, whilst at lower elevations we’ll search for such further endemics as Taiwan Hill Partridge, Taiwan Bush-warbler and Taiwan Wrenbabbler. An impressive selection of mid-elevation species is also possible here. Amongst these are the endemic Taiwan Barwing and raptors such as Japanese Sparrowhawk, Black Eagle and Mountain Hawk-eagle. In the evenings we will hope to get good views of a range of Scops-owl species, Savannah Nightjar and Himalayan Wood Owl.
Our next area of focus is the wetland region of Taiwan’s west coast. This is the main wintering ground for almost 2,500 Black-faced Spoonbills and we will enjoy this impressive gathering, as well as the accompanying terns, sandplovers, sandpipers (including Broad-billed Sandpiper) and stints. There is even a chance of Saunders’ Gull, with many other familiar waders and ducks likely. Scrubby embankments can hold Golden-headed Cisticola, Vinous-throated Parrotbill and up to four species of wintering starlings.
We conclude our tour with a visit to the North Coast and a couple of migrant hotspots. One location often holds a variety of thrushes including Dusky and Naumanns, as well as buntings, such as Yellow-throated, Yellow-browed and Red-bellied Blue Rock-Thrush. A coastal promontory could give uncommon Eastern Palearctic visitors such as the delightful Japanese Robin, Bluethroat, Chinese and Japanese Grosbeaks and Grey-tailed Tattler.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London
Day 2
Arrive Taipei and explore lowland farmland
Day 3
Dasyueshan Forest - Low and Mid-elevation
Day 4
Dasyueshan Forest - mid to high-elevation
Day 5
Guguan, Baxianshan Forest and River Banks
Day 6
Coastal Lagoons, Budai & Aogu Wetlands
Day 7
Sandimen Lowland Forest, mid-elevation Alishan
Day 8
High-elevation forest Alishan / Yushan National Park
Day 9
North Coast for migrant hotspots. Evening flight
Day 10
Arrive London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
Simple but comfortable tourist hotels.
- Food:
All meals included. Mostly excellent Chinese cuisine but supplemented by lots of familiar food, snacks and refreshments.
Reviews
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I chose this trip for two reasons: 1) to see birds in Taiwan and 2) to learn about Taiwanese culture. This trip delivered 1,000% on both counts. Richard was incredible, knowledgeable and passionate, in equal measure, about birds and Taiwan culture. He was fully engaged every minute of the day/night, which takes an incredible amount of energy. He was patient and especially helpful with me, the least skilled birder in the group. His passion for birds, people, and social change made me want to be a better person.
M.D, USA, January '24 -
Taiwan was even more interesting than I had been led to believe. It's got everything from endemic birds to colourful temples, extensive forested mountains, wetlands, inviting food, excellent roads and an entertaining guide who knew how and where to locate many of the birds we were wanting to see.
A.N. Cheshire, Nov 19 -
I enjoyed getting a feel of Taiwan and its history and some of the future challenges it faces. This was enhanced by the extra day and the opportunity to visit the National Palace Museum in particular. The birdwatching was good as was the rapport within the group. The evening meals were just gorgeous - thank you.
M.T. Middlesex, Nov 19 -
Richard Foster was superior in his care of the birding clients. He checked in with each of us and developed cordial relationships. His instructions were clear and he made maximal use of the time available to us in the field.
G.R. USA -
The whole trip was very good, Richard was excellent as was the wildlife, Peter who also helped drive and at lunch was great too! The general wildlife was good, the food brilliant!! The birding was good whether you were in forest, wetland, mountains, coast or even in a temple!
J.A. Hampshire -
I very much enjoyed the forest birding for the Taiwan endemics, the group worked well and the tour leader was excellent. Also enjoyed learning from Richard about the history and culture of Taiwan.
R.W. Cheshire -
The guide, Richard, was superb - not only on bird knowledge but on the country itself. Although we had several days of rain, his hard work ensured the trip was a success. Good memories of beautiful Mikado and Swinhoe's Pheasants and Collared Scops Owls perched in ornate temple ceilings while humans celebrated a special day below.
C.D. Guernsey -
It was a good, balanced holiday covering a large section of the country and its habitats.
J.G. Wiltshire -
Richard was a superb leader and knows the country and where to find the birds. Food was very good.
J.T. Cheshire -
This trip covers a region that I haven't visited before so I found it particularly interesting. The central mountain chain of Taiwan contains some excellent tracts of forest and the population appears to have a good attitude to conservation of their wildlife and habitats.
C.R. Somerset
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Fri 28th Feb – Sun 9th Mar
1
£3,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£395
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Richard Foster
Tour Leader: Richard Foster
Originally from the lake district of Fermanagh, N. Ireland, Richard has lived in Taiwan for over 25 years. After a career as a teacher and social campaigner, he discovered his real passion - showing visitors the nature of his adopted home. Whether in the field or out of it, he is always keen to share his knowledge and outlook on the local avifauna and human culture. Few foreign birders know Taiwanese birds as intimately as Richard, who is fast honing an enviable reputation as one of the country's best bird guides. Fluent in Chinese, he knows Taiwan like no other having explored almost every road, track, and gully. All this delivered with a smile and a keen understanding of foreign visitors’ needs.
Fri 31st Oct – Sun 9th Nov
SPACES
£3,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£395
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Richard Foster
Tour Leader: Richard Foster
Originally from the lake district of Fermanagh, N. Ireland, Richard has lived in Taiwan for over 25 years. After a career as a teacher and social campaigner, he discovered his real passion - showing visitors the nature of his adopted home. Whether in the field or out of it, he is always keen to share his knowledge and outlook on the local avifauna and human culture. Few foreign birders know Taiwanese birds as intimately as Richard, who is fast honing an enviable reputation as one of the country's best bird guides. Fluent in Chinese, he knows Taiwan like no other having explored almost every road, track, and gully. All this delivered with a smile and a keen understanding of foreign visitors’ needs.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
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