Manzhou Eagle Watching Introduction
The eagle watching in Manzhou has become one of the most important annual events for bird watchers. Manzhou Township is located in a valley terrain surrounded by low hills, and due to the mountain barriers, it serves as the best windbreak in Hengchun. With its rich vegetation, it has become the best winter habitat for the Grey-faced Buzzard, a common migratory bird in Taiwan. These birds breed in Siberia, Northeast China, and Japan, migrating south in the autumn and winter, with Taiwan lying perfectly along their migration route. The peak numbers typically occur around the Double Tenth National Day, leading some to refer to them as the "National Day Bird." The Grey-faced Buzzards mostly roost around the Lide Village area while migrating through Manzhou, and the best three eagle watching spots are "Manzhou Bridge, Mountain Peak Bridge, and Lide Bridge." Due to the open surroundings, the view is expansive, allowing for a spectacular sight of the Grey-faced Buzzards flying in groups. Eagle watching time: The migration of the Grey-faced Buzzard through Taiwan usually occurs from early to mid-October. After 10 a.m. each day, groups of Grey-faced Buzzards fly down from the north to Longluantan or Sheting Park, continuing south to Manzhou Township. By the time they reach Manzhou Township, it is close to noon, making it the best time for eagle watching. The Grey-faced Buzzard groups will ascend to a certain height with the air currents, circling back and forth, repeatedly descending and ascending. In the evening, they will descend to the treetops to rest, referred to as "roosting." Eagle watching equipment: When you prepare to go eagle watching, binoculars and a field guide are essential equipment that you must have! While observing the Grey-faced Buzzards, you can document your observations, including time, location, and species, as well as closely observe their flight patterns. This will help accumulate valuable bird watching experience for future research and analysis. Remember not to wear bright clothing to avoid being attacked by the flock of birds. Grey-faced Buzzard profile: The Grey-faced Buzzard, also known as the National Day Bird, has a grey patch on its face, brownish-grey with a reddish crown, and white markings around the eyes and throat. It breeds in places like Siberia, Northeast China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan. Migration routes: Some Grey-faced Buzzards take the land route, migrating south from Siberia, Korea, and Northeast China, while others take the sea route through Japan and the Ryukyu Islands. Ultimately, both routes will enter northeastern Taiwan, following the north-south trend of the Central Mountain Range, flying towards Hengchun Peninsula, resting in Manzhou Township before continuing their journey across the Bashi Channel to warmer areas for winter.
