Manzhouli Introduction
Manzhou Township in Pingtung County features a low-hilly terrain and is classified under a tropical monsoon climate, resulting in a rich tropical plant ecosystem. Around October each year, a large group of Eastern Marsh Harriers appears in the vicinity of Lide Village, making this area gradually develop into a renowned eagle-watching destination. The Eastern Marsh Harrier, also known as the Common Buzzard, primarily breeds in southeastern Siberia, northeastern China, Korea, and Japan. Every autumn and winter, they migrate south to Southeast Asia to escape the harsh winter, and Lide in Manzhou is one of the transit sites for these eagle flocks. The best eagle-watching spots in Manzhou are Lide Bridge, Manzhou Bridge, and Mountain Top Bridge, where thousands of Eastern Marsh Harriers arrive around National Day, earning them the nickname "National Day Birds." It is not an exaggeration to say thousands, which is why many bird-watching enthusiasts gather here. When flocks of Eastern Marsh Harriers soar in the clear sky, the sky resembles an overcast day as the colors shift from blue and white to dark gray. The saying "the more, the better" aptly describes this stunning spectacle. The beauty is not only in the grand scene but also in the graceful flight of the eagles. Generally, the best time for eagle watching is in the afternoon when the eagle groups gather and display their breathtaking maneuvers. They use thermal currents to soar upwards, glide at a certain height, or suddenly engage in low-altitude, headwind flights after flapping for a while. The scenes of ascending, diving, dispersing, and re-converging repeatedly captivate onlookers. Occasionally, some buzzards may fly close to people, providing delightful surprises for bird watchers. The passage of the Eastern Marsh Harrier creates a rare visual spectacle, and with the gradual rooting of conservation awareness, the residents of Manzhou have come to understand that protecting bird ecology equates to safeguarding valuable tourism resources. They have even formed a "Eastern Marsh Harrier Patrol Team" to reduce illegal hunting activities. Thanks to their efforts, many people have the chance to witness this incredible sight of soaring eagles.
