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Rod Martins led a successful trip to Sichuan, China in
June. With Chris Bradshaw, Ken Cole, Mark Elwonger, Mike Flieg and Tom Pucelik
participating, more than 240 species were recorded in three weeks. Taking us
from Chengdu to Wolong, up onto the Tibetan Plateau via Hongyuan, then over to
Jiuzhaigou and finally to Emei Shan, Rod helped us find ten species of Phasianidae
(with another three heard) , thirteen species of Phylloscopus warblers,
nine species of Garrulax Laughingthrushes, six species of Paradoxornis
(Parrotbills), and nine species of Carpodacus Rosefinches.
Highlights of the trip included:
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A male Temminck’s Tragopan
walking onto the road behind our parked van, just minutes after we first
ascended above 2,200m. |
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Scope views of three White
Eared-Pheasants browsing the montane slopes |
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Hearing Wood Snipe displaying in
the cloudbank immediately overhead, until one finally broke into sight for
reasonable looks |
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A Tibetan Snowcock exploding into
evasive flight after an approach by a Golden Eagle |
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Long, careful studies of a Slaty-breasted
Rail in an unexpected location at 3,000m in Jizhaigou |
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Sixteen Black-necked Cranes
sharing the Tibetan grasslands with Upland Buzzards, Tibetan Ground-Jays and
Tibetan Larks |
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Long looks at a male Firethroat
on territory |
| Several encounters with furtive Rufous-headed Robins |
| Long studies of Barred and Snowy-cheeked (Sukatschev’s) Laughingthrushes |
| Slaty Buntings feeding young at two locations |
These events, combined with comfortable motels and good food, made the
Sichuan trip a memorable one and an experience that should be repeated for the
benefit of Ornifolks members.
A trip report is in the works.
MAE 7/23/00
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