Taipei, Taiwan — A remarkable story of survival and migration unfolded recently as a black-faced spoonbill that was rehabilitated earlier this year in Taiwan made its way back to the country in October, seemingly “hitching a ride” on Typhoon Krathon. The typhoon’s powerful winds propelled the bird across the Taiwan Strait at speeds of up to 85 kilometers per hour, conservationists reported.
This fascinating journey of the spoonbill, identified as N83, was confirmed by the Tainan Wild Bird Society and experts from the Bird Ecology Lab at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology. N83’s return to Taiwan, after spending time in the wild, showcases not only the bird’s resilience but also the critical role weather patterns play in the migration of wildlife.
Rehabilitation and Tracking: N83’s Journey Across the Strait
N83’s story began earlier this year in January when it was found in Tainan’s Annan District, suffering from botulism-induced paralysis in a fish pond. The bird was rehabilitated by Tzu Chi Animal Hospital and experts from the Tainan Bird Society. Once fully recovered, N83 was fitted with a GPS tracking device and released into the wild alongside other rehabilitated spoonbills on January 26, 2024.
Following its release, N83 was closely monitored by the Bird Ecology Lab, which has worked in collaboration with a local renewable energy company to study the migration patterns of spoonbills since 2001. GPS data from the lab showed that N83 made a remarkable migration journey across Asia.
- March 21: N83 flew to the coast of China.
- April 10: The bird continued north and reached the spoonbills’ breeding habitat in Korea.
- September 29: N83 began its return south, reaching the southeast coast of China.
N83’s Return to Taiwan via Typhoon Krathon
N83’s return to Taiwan took an unexpected turn. On October 3, Typhoon Krathon, a rare October storm, altered its course and began moving west through the Bashi Channel, between Taiwan and the Philippines. As the typhoon approached Kaohsiung from the southwest, it picked up N83 as the bird was crossing the Taiwan Strait.
The powerful winds from Typhoon Krathon, moving at speeds of up to 85 kilometers per hour, helped propel the spoonbill toward the Taiwanese coast. The bird was observed arriving in Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s southern port city, where it was spotted by local birders. The Bird Ecology Lab has documented the return of N83, and the bird’s journey was widely shared on social media, with enthusiasts giving it a special nickname: Tái Pí (颱琵). This name is a blend of the Chinese words for “typhoon” and “spoonbill.”
Observations and Sightings: Where is N83 Now?
Since returning to Taiwan, N83 has been spotted in several locations. Local birdwatchers have documented its presence in Chiayi early in October and later in the Qigu Dingshan Wetlands in Tainan on October 30. As Taiwan hosts a large population of black-faced spoonbills during the winter months, these sightings provide a hopeful sign of N83’s successful migration.
Taiwan’s Importance for Black-Faced Spoonbills
Taiwan plays a significant role in the conservation of black-faced spoonbills. Each year, over half of the global population of around 7,000 black-faced spoonbills migrate to Taiwan for the winter. The majority of these birds settle in wetland habitats in the southwest of Taiwan, where they find ample food and a safe environment to spend the colder months.
Table: N83’s Journey
| Date | Location | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 2024 | Tainan, Taiwan | Found suffering from botulism paralysis. |
| Jan. 26, 2024 | Tainan, Taiwan | Released after rehabilitation, GPS device attached. |
| March 21, 2024 | China | First migration towards breeding grounds. |
| April 10, 2024 | Korea | Reaches breeding habitat in Korea. |
| Sept. 29, 2024 | Southeast China | Starts migration back to Taiwan. |
| Oct. 3, 2024 | Taiwan Strait | Propelled by Typhoon Krathon to Taiwan. |
| Oct. 30, 2024 | Qigu Dingshan Wetlands, Tainan | Last sighting in Taiwan. |
FAQ: Black-Faced Spoonbill’s Journey
1. Why was the black-faced spoonbill rehabilitated?
The spoonbill, identified as N83, was found in January 2024 in Tainan’s Annan District suffering from botulism-induced paralysis. It was treated at Tzu Chi Animal Hospital and released back into the wild after recovery.
2. How was the bird tracked during its migration?
N83 was fitted with a GPS tracking device by the Bird Ecology Lab at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology. The device provided real-time data on its migration path.
3. How did Typhoon Krathon impact the bird’s migration?
Typhoon Krathon’s winds helped propel N83 across the Taiwan Strait at speeds of up to 85 kilometers per hour, assisting the bird’s return to Taiwan on October 3, 2024.
4. Where has N83 been spotted in Taiwan?
Since its return, N83 has been seen in Chiayi and at the Qigu Dingshan Wetlands in Tainan, where it is expected to spend the winter.
5. Why is Taiwan important for black-faced spoonbills?
Over half of the global population of black-faced spoonbills, around 7,000 birds, migrate to Taiwan for the winter, utilizing wetland habitats in the southwest of the island as a safe haven.
Conclusion: A Remarkable Journey of Resilience
The story of N83’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the black-faced spoonbill, as well as the vital role that weather patterns like Typhoon Krathon play in bird migration. Taiwan remains a critical sanctuary for these remarkable birds, providing them with safe wintering grounds and ensuring their continued survival. N83’s return, guided by nature’s powerful forces, is a reminder of the delicate balance between conservation, weather, and wildlife migration.
