The Windbreak Forest

The windbreak forest in Tainan is one of my favorite birding spots to visit, especially during the fall and spring migration. The windbreak forest is located in Qigu, right next to the ocean. Its main purpose is to stop strong sea winds and sand from blowing futher inland. The forest is mainly composed of beefwood trees, which look similar to conifers. The windbreak forest is typically a short rest-stop for migrating birds. This makes it equal parts frustrating and rewarding, because when I hear of an exotic bird reported there, it is often gone by the time I have a chance to check. However, sometimes I get lucky and see some lifers there.

Ashy Minivet

Some common birds found there are Pale Thrush, Brown-headed Thrush, Black-faced Bunting, Manchurian Bush-warbler, Oriental Magpie-robin, and White’s Thrush. Some more exotic birds that I’ve seen there include Blue-and-white Flycatcher, Japanese Paradise Flycatcher, Red-breasted Flycatcher, and Red-flanked Bluetail.

Pechora Pipit

I usually visit about two or three times a month during migration. I like to go birding pretty early, so we almost always get there before seven, which in some cases is a bit too early for the birds. On my first lap through the forest, it is usually quiet except for the occasional chirp and the rustling of leaves.

Blue-and-white Flycatcher

What I like about the windbreak forest is how quiet it is and when you can only hear the chatter of the birds and the gentle breeze filtering through the trees. I’m amazed that even though the windbreak forest is not very big, there is often a dazzling array of birds waiting to be found. Just like birding in general, visiting the windbreak forest has a large element of luck involved, but it is that element of luck and the chance of seeing a lifer that makes my trips to the windbreak forest all the more rewarding.