Manjoulí Introduction
Manzhou Township in Pingtung County features gentle hilly terrain and belongs to a tropical monsoon climate, which has led to a rich tropical plant ecosystem. Around October each year, large groups of Eastern Buzzards appear near Lide Village, gradually making this area a well-known eagle-watching destination. The Eastern Buzzard, also known as the Buteo japonicus, primarily breeds in southeastern Siberia, northeastern China, Korea, and Japan. Every autumn and winter, they collectively migrate south to Southeast Asia to escape the harsh winter, with Manzhou Lide being one of the stopover points for these eagles. The best eagle-watching spots in Manzhou Lide are the Lide Bridge, Manzhou Bridge, and Hilltop Bridge. Around the National Day celebrations each year, thousands of Eastern Buzzards arrive, earning them the nickname "National Day Birds." The claim of thousands is hardly an exaggeration; this is why many birdwatching enthusiasts flock here. When large groups of Eastern Buzzards circle against a clear sky, the scene resembles dark clouds obscuring the sun, shifting from blue and white to shades of gray and black. It's often said that "the quantity makes beauty," and this is certainly a striking spectacle. The beauty lies not only in the magnificent sight but also in their soaring "eagle poses." Generally, afternoons are the best time for eagle watching, as the eagles gather and fly as a group, presenting their graceful postures. They utilize thermal updrafts to soar into the sky and glide at great heights, or after flapping their wings for a while, some suddenly fly against the wind at low altitudes. The scenes of ascending, diving, scattering, and regrouping continuously unfold, often evoking awe among observers. Occasionally, some buzzards swoop close to people, providing delightful surprises for birdwatchers. With the passage of Eastern Buzzards, a rare spectacle attracts considerable tourist crowds. With the increasing awareness of conservation, the residents of Manzhou Township have gradually understood that protecting bird ecology equates to safeguarding valuable tourism resources. They even formed a "Eastern Buzzard Patrol Team" to reduce illegal eagle hunting. Thanks to their efforts, many people are able to witness this magnificent sight of flying eagles.
