Manzhouli Introduction
Manzhou Township in Pingtung County features a low and gentle hilly terrain and belongs to a tropical monsoon climate, leading to a rich tropical plant ecosystem. Every October, a large number of Grey-faced Buzzards appear around Lidou Village, gradually making this area a well-known eagle watching destination. The Grey-faced Buzzard, also known as the Buteo japonicus, primarily breeds in southeastern Siberia, northeastern China, Korea, and Japan. During autumn and winter, they migrate south in large groups to Southeast Asia to escape the harsh winter, with Lidou in Manzhou being one of their stopover points. The best eagle watching spots in Manzhou are Lidou Bridge, Manzhou Bridge, and the Mountain Top Bridge. Around the National Day each year, thousands of Grey-faced Buzzards arrive, leading to the nickname "National Day Bird." Saying "thousands" is hardly an exaggeration, which is why many birdwatching enthusiasts gather here. When flocks of Grey-faced Buzzards circle in the clear sky, the scene transforms; the sky no longer appears blue and white but becomes dark and gray, resembling a cloud-covered day. The saying "the more, the merrier" truly applies here. The beauty lies not only in the spectacular scenes but also in the elegant flight of the eagles. Generally, the afternoon is the best time for eagle watching, as the eagle groups gather to fly together, showcasing their dramatic beauty. This includes utilizing thermals to spiral upwards, gliding at a certain altitude, or suddenly performing low-altitude flight against the wind after beating their wings for a while. The scenes of climbing, diving, dispersing, and gathering continually impress observers, and occasionally, some buzzards will glide closely by, which brings joy to birdwatchers. The migration of the Grey-faced Buzzard creates a rare spectacle for tourism. As conservation awareness grows, the people of Manzhou have gradually recognized that protecting bird ecosystems is equivalent to preserving precious tourism resources. They have even formed the "Grey-faced Buzzard Patrol" to reduce illegal hunting by unethical individuals. Thanks to their efforts, many people have the chance to witness this incredible eagle spectacle.
