Every year around the spring equinox, it is the time for the Grey-faced Buzzard to migrate north through Taiwan. This year marks the 33rd anniversary of the "Hawk Watching in Bagua" event, which will take place on March 22 and 23. Lee Yi-hsin, the general manager of the Changhua Wild Bird Society, noted that the migration of the Grey-faced Buzzard has already begun, with approximately 120 birds observed so far. The peak observation period is expected to be between March 15 and 25, and bird enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the Bagua Mountain area during this time.
Launch of the 2025 Bagua Mountain Hawk Watching Season
The launch of the "2025 Bagua Mountain Hawk Watching Season" was announced at a press conference held at the Bagua Mountain Ecological Visitor Center. Attendees included Deputy Director Liao Hsi-piao of the Tourism Bureau's Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area Administration, Legislator Huang Hsiu-fang, Deputy Director Wang Yi-jing of the Forestry Bureau's Nantou Branch, Acting Director Hsiao Li-ling of the Changhua County Government's Agriculture Department, and Mayor Chang Chia-che of Nantou City.
Liao Hsi-piao emphasized that the "Bagua Mountain Hawk Watching Season" is an international-level event listed in the Tourism Bureau's biennial calendar. It combines hawk watching with ecological conservation and tourism activities, making it one of the most unique tourist attractions in central Taiwan. Additionally, the Tourism Bureau and the Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area Administration have successfully secured the hosting rights for the "1st World Bird Fair", which will be held in late September in central Taiwan. The expo will invite representatives from over 25 countries to participate in birdwatching eco-tourism experiences.
Collaborative Educational Initiatives
This year's "Bagua Mountain Hawk Watching Season" includes a new collaboration with the Nantou City Government and the Yongxing Community Development Association. Through hawk watching ecological education courses, over 1,000 students from 10 elementary schools will participate in outdoor learning activities from March 17 to 28. This initiative aims to instill ecological conservation awareness from a young age.
Community Events
On March 15, the "Hawk Over Carnival" will be held at the Red Foot Spirit venue near the Hengshan Hawk Watching Platform in Nantou. The event will feature performances by the local Wun Shan Elementary School's diabolo team, a magical bubble show, and local farmers' and cultural creative markets. Limited-edition DIY activities, such as creating Grey-faced Buzzard sock dolls, and shopping vouchers will also be available. From March 15 to 30, free guided tours will be provided at the Hengshan Hawk Watching Platform.
On March 22 and 23, the Changhua County Government will host the "Hawk Soaring Bagua - Friendly Return" event at WenDe Primary School in Fenyuan Township, focusing on ecological conservation education and tourism. The Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area Administration will also offer DIY courses on site. The Changhua Wild Bird Society will conduct surveys on the migration of Grey-faced Buzzards and organize birdwatching walking tours, inviting the public to explore the natural beauty of the Bagua Mountain area.
To support eco-friendly travel and reduce carbon emissions, the Formosa Plastics Group will provide free shuttle services on March 22 and 23. The buses will run approximately every hour, starting at 9 AM from the Formosa Biomedical, passing through Changhua Train Station, and arriving at the hawk watching platforms.
