Manjhouli Introduction
Manzhou Township in Pingtung County features gently rolling hills and a tropical monsoon climate, resulting in a rich ecosystem of tropical plants. Around October each year, a large group of gray-faced buzzards appears near Lide Village, making this area a well-known spot for eagle watching. The gray-faced buzzard, also known as the common buzzard, mainly breeds in southeastern Siberia, northeastern China, Korea, and Japan. Each autumn and winter, they migrate south to Southeast Asia to escape the severe winter, and Lide in Manzhou is one of their stopover sites. The best spots for eagle watching in Manzhou Lide are Lide Bridge, Manzhou Bridge, and the Summit Bridge, where thousands of gray-faced buzzards congregate around National Day, leading to the nickname "National Day Birds." It's not an exaggeration to say that thousands of them arrive, which draws many birdwatching enthusiasts. When flocks of gray-faced buzzards circle the clear sky, the scene resembles dark clouds obscuring the sun, shifting away from the blue and white to a darker grayish tone. The phrase "the quantity is beauty" certainly applies here, making the sight remarkably stunning. The beauty is not only in the spectacular scene but also in the majestic flight of the buzzards. Generally, the afternoon is the best time for eagle watching, as the birds gather and fly together, showcasing their magnificent postures. They utilize thermal updrafts to soar to great heights before gliding, or they may suddenly engage in low-altitude flight against the wind after flapping for a while. The continuous display of ascending, diving, dispersing, and regrouping often leaves watchers in awe. Occasionally, some buzzards fly closely past people, which brings sheer joy to birdwatchers. The migration of gray-faced buzzards creates a unique tourism influx, and as awareness of conservation has grown, the residents of Manzhou have gradually realized that protecting bird ecosystems means protecting precious tourism resources. They have even formed the "Gray-faced Buzzard Patrol" to reduce poaching incidents. Thanks to their efforts, many people get to witness this incredible display of soaring eagles.
