Manjhou Eagle Watching Introduction
The Manjhou Eagle Watching has become one of the important annual events for bird watchers. Manjhou Township is located in a valley surrounded by low hills, and due to its natural mountain barriers, it serves as the best windbreak in Hengchun. With rich vegetation, it has become the ideal wintering habitat for the Gray-faced Buzzard. The Gray-faced Buzzard is a common migratory bird in Taiwan, residing in Siberia, Northeast China, and Japan. During autumn and winter, they migrate south, and Taiwan is strategically located along their migratory route, with their numbers peaking around the Double Tenth Day, earning them the nickname "National Day Bird." While passing through Manjhou, the Gray-faced Buzzards are mostly seen around Lide Village, and the top three best eagle watching spots are "Manjhou Bridge, Summit Bridge, and Lide Bridge." The open surroundings provide a wide field of view, allowing one to clearly witness the spectacular sight of flocks of Gray-faced Buzzards flying by. Eagle Watching Time: The migration of the Gray-faced Buzzard through Taiwan generally occurs from early to mid-October each year. After 10 AM daily, flocks begin to arrive from the north, flying over Longluan Lake or SheDing Park, continuing southward to Manjhou Township. When they reach Manjhou Township around midday, this is the best time for eagle watching. The Gray-faced Buzzards soar to a certain height with rising air currents, circling back and forth, repeatedly descending and ascending. At dusk, they land on treetops to rest, termed "roosting." Eagle Watching Gear: When preparing to go eagle watching, "binoculars" and "field guides" are essential equipment. Be sure to bring them along! While observing the Gray-faced Buzzard, you can document your observations regarding time, location, species, etc., and carefully observe their flying behavior, which will accumulate valuable bird watching experience for future research and analysis. Remember not to wear bright clothing to avoid being attacked by the birds. Gray-faced Buzzard Profile: The Gray-faced Buzzard, also known as the National Day Bird, has a gray patch on its face, a reddish-brown crown, and white markings on its eyebrows and throat. They are found in Siberia, Northeast China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan. Migration Route: Some flocks of Gray-faced Buzzards travel overland, migrating south from Siberia, Korea, and Northeast China, while others take a maritime route via Japan and the Ryukyu Islands. Ultimately, both routes lead them to Northeast Taiwan, where they follow the north-south direction of the Central Mountain Range, flying towards Hengchun Peninsula, arriving at Manjhou Township to rest before continuing their journey across the Bashi Channel to warmer destinations for wintering.
