Gray-faced Buzzards Are Here！Their Unique Soaring Style Captivates—Cycle to Watch the Eagles in Manzhou, Pingtung

Reported by You T-Ru / Comprehensive Report

The annual must-see gray-faced buzzards of southern Taiwan are coming again this year！The Kenting National Park Headquarters, in collaboration with local communities, has launched a series of eagle-watching events that have garnered an enthusiastic response from many bird enthusiasts. This year (2014), the “Eagles Soar, Winds Chase” Manzhou Eagle-Watching Series will be held on October 10 and 18. This event will follow the eagles' flight paths by bike, weaving through the trails of Manzhou to visit their key take-off and landing spots, transforming eagle-watching into a diverse experience.


▲Manzhou Bike Eagle-Watching Event. (Photo / Provided by Kenting National Park Headquarters)

Around October 10 each year, a group of aerial athletes arrives in Manzhou Township, performing breathtaking high-altitude flight shows over the area with their unique soaring and landing techniques. However, these performers are not air force pilots but the migratory gray-faced buzzards, known as the “National Day Birds.” Participants can cycle along Manzhou’s trails, track these birds, and pause anytime to admire their majestic circling or listen to local stories about people and eagles.

Manzhou Eco-Tourism Promotion Association “Eagles Soar, Winds Chase”—Manzhou Eagle-Watching Series
Event Dates: October 10 and 18, 2014
Itinerary: 14:30–14:45 Check-in at the square in front of Zhaoling Temple, Manzhou Township, Pingtung County
                  14:45–17:45 Manzhou Bike Eagle-Tracking & Dragon Fruit DIY Activity
                  17:45–18:55 Flavorful Dinner
Target Participants: Elementary school students in grade 5 and above (must be accompanied by a parent), healthy individuals without major illnesses.
Event Capacity: 30 participants for the Manzhou Humanities session, registration via the internet (http://www.ktnp.gov.tw/index.aspx).
Registration Period: From now until three days before each session or until full.
Event Fee: NT$800 per person for the Manzhou Humanities session—including guided tour, fruit-picking DIY, flavorful meal, insurance, and bicycle rental.