27th Taipei International Birdwatching Fair

By Cristina Cinco

27th Taipei International Birdwatching Fair
Taipei, Taiwan
October 18-19, 2025

The Taipei International Birdwatching Fair (TBIF) is now on its 27th year. The event is one of the pioneers and biggest birdwatching fairs in Asia. The international birdwatching event is organized annually by the Wild Bird Society of Taipei (WBST.) The TIBF was held from October 18-19, 2025 at the Guandu Nature Park, Beitou District, Taipei.

The theme for the 27th TIBF was “The Passing Traveler.” Taiwan has some 700 species of birds, 500 of which are migratory, the country being strategically located in the East Asian Australasian Flyway. Millions of birds ply this route for their survival beginning in the autumn season to search for food and shelter before flying back to their breeding sites during the spring. Emphasis was given to the migrating raptors particularly the Honey Buzzards whose population have been the subject of conservation over the years.

There were more than 70 booths representing both local and foreign exhibitors. Countries such as the Philippines, Japan, Malaysia, Sri Langka, and Israel were present. The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines has been a regular exhibitor since 2005. Activities directed towards learning about ecological environmental conservation were incorporated through the various birdwatching related activities that convey the importance coexistence between biodiversity in nature and daily living. Crafts, optics displays, children’s games, and birdwatching from the view deck were all part of the two day TBIF.

Ceremonies for the 27th Taipei International Birdwatching Fair kicked off on October 18 at the main stage of Guandu Nature Park. WBST President Jui Lin Chang official opened the fair together with local government officials from Taipei – including the launching of a Robot Raptor and Taiwan’s mascot, The Good Bear. Entertainment was also provided during the two day fair.

The 27th TIBF was also a chance to reunite with long time friends whom I regularly encounter in the other international birdwatching events in Asia. This was also my third time attending the TBIF after 7 seven years, first in 2017 then in 2018.

To formally welcome the international delegates, the Wild Bird Society of Taipei hosted a dinner on October 18 at the Fu-ji Banquet Hall at the Luzou District in New Taipei City. Each participating country brought tokens of gratitude for WBST’s invitation to their fair. President Ju Lin Chang gifted each of the international organizations a unique gift of Honey Vinegar, symbolic of the conservation efforts for the Honey Buzzards.

The final day for the exhibition was on October 19. Heavy rains were forecasted for the day as a typhoon was approaching Taiwan. But despite the rains and muddy ground, people still came. Highlight of the day was the appearance of two Honey Buzzards as the skies briefly cleared around noon time. By five o’clock in the afternoon, the 27th Taipei International Birdwatching Fair came to a close.

The following day, a post birdwatching was scheduled at Wu Lai, New Taipei City. Despite signing up for the trip, unfortunately, Jessica and I opted to back out as rain continuously poured since early morning. Our fellow delegates still joined the birdwatching activity but returned to the hotel soaking wet.

Every birdwatching fair in Taiwan has been a unique experience. I am still learning a lot from the wide range of activities during each fair. Reconnecting with friends whom I have known through the years make a valid reason to visit Taipei several times over. Encountering new delegates from other countries broaden the interconnection between birdwatching organizations, especially for the common cause of conservation. Congratulations to the Wild Bird Society of Taipei for a most successful 27th Taipei International Birdwatching Fair under the leadership of President Ju Lin Chang. Grateful always to the WBST for the warm reception always extended to all the delegates. Heartfelt appreciation to Judy Ou and Jenny Rong for always making me feel that Taipei is like my second home. Looking forward again in being back to Taiwan, the Land of Waves of Wonder.