JO ANN'S BENCH

"JO ANN'S BENCH", AOWANDA NATIONAL FOREST RECREATION AREA, NANTOU COUNTY FOREST DISTRICT

On November 30, 2005, the International Taiwan Birding Association team was birding Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area. We were at one of our favorite spots, about 100 m inside the park gate. It is at that spot that we settle down to watch the trees for passing birds-endemic species Yellow (Taiwan) Tit, Taiwan Yuhina, White-eared Sibia, Formosan Whistling-Thrush, Formosan Magpie; endemic subspecies of Eurasian Jay, Eurasian Nutcracker, Plain and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers, Black-naped Monarch, Vivid Niltava, and other species such as Gray-chinned Minivet, etc.

On that day, Nantou Forest District Director, Mr. Tien Chin-cheng, happened to come along. He stopped to chat and watch for birds with us. Being concerned about the comfort of park visitors as well as the welfare of the park itself, he enquired if there was anything that could be done to enhance visitors' birding experience in the park. I thought for a moment, then suggested that a "Birders' Bench" would be useful and welcome-a place to sit and relax while looking up into the trees and sky. I had enjoyed such benches in parks in Canada and the U.S.A.

To my great astonishment and pleasure, Mr. Tien arranged for group of four benches to be installed exactly where I'd suggested. The benches and an information sign about some of the birds were in place beside the road when the ITBA team returned to Aowanda six months later. A brass plaque was mounted on each bench by July 2006, explaining how "Jo Ann's Bench" came to be.

I sincerely thank Director Tien and staff for providing the benches for the use and enjoyment of the birders and all other park visitors.