 |
 |
|
|
|
This habitat is usually found between 1,000 and 2,000 meters in elevation,
though it often extends even higher. The upper reaches of this habitat,
as suggested, is often a mixture of both conifer and deciduous trees. In
the lower parts of this elevation range, most of the forest consists of
deciduous trees. Snowfall is rare, only very lightly during the most severe
cold fronts. The diversity of bird life here is probably the highest of
all the forest habitats. All but two of the fourteen endemic species and
most of the endemic subspecies are found in this habitat. The best and
most accessible place for birding in this habitat is probably Anmashan
in Taichung County. Birding is ideal during any season, though one might
prefer to avoid the rainy season from March through May. In the summer,
there are often showers or fog in the afternoon. Due to logging operations
in the past, most of the forest at this elevation and lower tend to be
second growth. The more mature the forest, the better the birding. The
worst types of forests consist of pointed Japanese fir trees and bamboo
that have been widely planted in many areas. Even worse than artificial
forest are the developed hillsides, usually planted with temperate fruits
or vegetables. I urge birders not to buy these products when visiting
places such as Lishan or Lalashan.
...and numerous hawks and passerines during migration season.
