Monday 5 June 2017

Tangjiahe - Chengdu

With all major targets done and dusted we had no specific species to search for on our penultimate day so before breakfast a few of us walked up the hill across the river and just went birding! Great huh? We managed to find White-backed Woodpecker and Mountain Bulbul – both new trip ticks. After breakfast we met up with those of us who had enjoyed a lie in and walked along the river, where we added Crested Goshawk and White-crowned Forktail to our ever growing list that is now up to 320 species. 

White-crowned Forktail

We also saw another Spectacled Fulvetta that was in company with some Pere David’s Fulvettas, plus there was also Brown Dipper, Streak-breasted Scimitar-babbler, Indian Blue Robin, Golden Eagle, Mountain Hawk-Eagle etc. After an 8km walk alongside the river we sure were ready for lunch…!


Sulphur-breasted Warbler

After lunch and a siesta we drove down the narrow road that runs parallel to the river and found some showy Alstrom’s and Sulphur-breasted Warblers, with the latter species being particularly obliging. But it was probably the Crested Kingfisher that was most appreciated by some as it was a lifer. We drove back at 5pm to shower, pack and get ready for an early dinner.


Yellow-bellied Tit


Alstrom's Warbler - note the relatively short tail, long bill and subdued crown pattern

On our final day we left the hotel early and drove outside of the park and tried for Chinese Hwamei, which only appeared briefly. We did add Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker to the list and also Dan and I had a very brief view of what must have been a Rufous Woodpecker as well. There was also Pere David’s Fulvetta, Yellow-bellied Tit, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Asian Koel, some showy Alstrom’s Warblers, Brown-breasted Bulbul, several Brown Dippers, Grey-headed Woodpecker and plenty more common birds.

Once done here, we set out on the 7 hour drive back to Chengdu where we had our final dinner together and a chance to reminisce about a great tour over a few beers. Oh we had a quick walk in the park to get House Swift on our list as well, and our trip list ended on 325 species seen. Not too shabby huh?

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