The Journey to Tianchi
On the morning of April 17th, 2025, my photography classmate Mark drove me to Tianchi in Siaosyueshan National Forest Recreation Area. The weather was clear that day, with soft sunlight filtering through the mountain forests and a pleasant, cool temperature. Thanks to our early start, there were few visitors around Ruixue Pavilion when we arrived, making the environment exceptionally quiet.
Three Hours at Ruixue Pavilion
We spent about three hours near Ruixue Pavilion. Various bird calls echoed through the mountain forest from time to time, reminding us of the rich ecosystem here. Mark and I focused on our own photography—he even brought out his drone to capture views of Tianchi, while I kept my attention on searching for wildlife.
Surprises in the Forest
On a piece of wood beside the trail, I spotted a Coal Tit. Later, a Flamecrest appeared in my viewfinder among the bushes. Although bird calls surrounded us constantly, these were the only two species I managed to photograph.
A Moment with the Muntjac
The most exciting encounter was with a Formosan Reeves’s Muntjac. It was foraging for food when I spotted it. My heart raced as I slowly approached while keeping a safe distance. The muntjac noticed me too, staying alert and observing my movements. Fortunately, after a while, it decided I posed no threat and continued searching for food. That moment of mutual observation made me feel a delicate sense of trust between human and wild animal.
The Peace of the Mountains
That morning at Siaosyueshan Tianchi—with its soft morning light, cool air, various bird songs, and unexpected wildlife encounters—created a calm and memorable photography experience.
