As spring flowers bloom, Bagua Mountain welcomes its most striking guests! The 2026 Free Buzzard in Mt. Bagua event took place on March 21–22 at Wende Elementary School in Fenyuan Township. On March 22, Changhua County Mayor Wang Hui-Mei joined the public at the event to admire the Baguashan’s Five Iconic Raptors, while enjoying the two-day Grey-faced Buzzard Eco-Market and eagle-watching activities.  
 
This premier eco-event, now in its 34th year, has been a cherished tradition for decades. In the past, the saying “Of ten thousand migrating grey-faced buzzards, nine thousand perish” reflected the lack of ecological awareness at the time. Thanks to years of dedicated conservation efforts, Changhua has now become a safe haven for raptors on their migratory journey—providing protection without disturbance and ensuring a secure environment for nature. 
 
This year’s theme, ”Baguashan’s Five Iconic Raptors,” symbolizes the powerful birds of prey soaring across the Bagua Mountain Range. In addition to the famous Grey-faced Buzzard, the region is home to resident raptors such as the Besra, Black Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Collared Scops Owl, and Crested Goshawk. The event aims to convey a vital message: protecting habitats is the key to sustaining biodiversity. 
 
Sponsored by Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation and Formosa Biomedical Technology Corporation, free “Eagle Shuttle Buses” were provided to help participants travel easily up the mountain while reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. Wende Elementary School also opened its campus as a large outdoor classroom, where the lush greenery and nearby ecological trails offered participants the chance to gain ecological knowledge in a natural setting. For the first time, 20 rare bird specimens from the Taiwan Biodiversity Research Institute, MOA were displayed, allowing participants to closely observe feathers, beak shapes, and other features. Many participants exclaimed, “This is far more exciting than a textbook!” 
 
Meanwhile, the Grey-faced Buzzard Eco-Market was held in the school playground, featuring 36 creative stalls and interactive games. Participants who collected all stamps could redeem either a limited-edition magnetic lightbox or a young azalea plant. Furthermore, ecological walks along the “Tiaoshui Historic Trail,” led by professional guides, gave participants the chance to explore the mysteries of wildlife under the warm March sun. 
 
As you gaze skyward at these birds of prey, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles—taking away all waste and leaving behind only the beauty of the mountains. By doing so, today’s breathtaking landscapes can be preserved for future generations.