Gray-faced buzzards begin annual migration across Taiwan

灰面鵟鷹開始在台灣進行年度遷徙

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Birdwatchers are preparing for the arrival of gray-faced buzzards, as the migratory raptors begin appearing across northern Taiwan and are expected to peak this weekend over the Hengchun Peninsula.

According to Tsai Yi-jung (蔡乙榮) of the Wild Bird Society of Pingtung, recent sightings suggest the migration is well underway, aided by ideal weather conditions. “The current weather patterns are perfect for migration, and the long holiday weekend will offer excellent opportunities for raptor watching,” per UDN.

In September, Taiwan recorded a historic migration of over 340,000 red-faced buzzards through the Hengchun Peninsula, marking the end of their peak season. The arrival of gray-faced buzzards now signals the start of another spectacular phase of Taiwan’s autumn bird migration.

Tsai said gray-faced buzzards typically reach peak migration in mid-October, entering Taiwan from the Ryukyu Islands. Early sightings have been reported in northern Taiwan, with only sporadic observations in eastern and southern regions so far.

With stable weather across major migration routes, including the Tsushima Strait, Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan Strait, and Bashi Channel, Tsai predicts the first large flocks will arrive over the Hengchun Peninsula around Oct. 10. “Kenting will soon see the skies filled with raptors,” Tsai said, encouraging birdwatchers to travel to Manzhou Township for the best views.

Kenting National Park said the gray-faced buzzards primarily roost in the mountainous areas of Manzhou, where visitors can observe the birds circling and gliding in the afternoon sky. Each morning, between 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m., flocks continue their journey from Sheding Nature Park across the sea — a sight the park described as one of Taiwan’s most spectacular wildlife displays.

To celebrate the migration, the park will hold raptor-watching activities every weekend and public holiday through Oct. 19. Morning sessions will take place at Lingxiao Pavilion in Sheding Nature Park from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and afternoon viewing will be held at the Manzhou mountaintop bridge from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The season’s main event, the Jonkea Raptor’s Festival, will be held on Oct. 18–19 at Manzhou Junior High School. The festival will feature themed exhibitions, guided birdwatching tours, family activities, lectures, a local market, and an outdoor cinema.