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| 2008 September 12-29 with Jay VanderGaast & Jesper Hornskov |
2009 September 11-28 with Jay VanderGaast & Jesper Hornskov |
$4975 (2008 fee). 18 days
from Beijing. Limit: 12
Good accommodations in Beijing, Beidahe, Xining, best available but basic with shared facilities elsewhere; easy to mostly moderate (some difficult) terrain, four days high elevation (10,000-13,000 feet).
See our triplist for 2007 or 2005.
The marvelous spectacle of fall migration is not a phenomenon restricted to North America. The coastal town of Beidahe in eastern China has a fall migration show that rivals that of North American hotspots such as Point Pelee or Cape May, with the added bonus of a whole bevy of unfamiliar species. It is here that our tour begins, with a wonderful mix of habitats—shoreline, reed-fringed lagoons, and mixed woodland—drawing in a great variety of southbound Siberian migrants. Our time here will be spent exploring these various habitats for such regularly occurring species as Relict Gull, Lanceolated Warbler, and Siberian Rubythroat among so many more. While here, we will also pay a visit to the Great Wall, as much for the birds as for the cultural experience. Here in the scrubby wooded hillsides we’ll search for local specialties such as White-browed Chinese Warbler, the spectacular Blue Magpie, and Vinous-throated Parrotbill as we marvel at this incredible feat of human construction.
South of Beidaihe, we will also spend a few days at another migration hotspot, tiny Happy Island. Lying just offshore, the island’s natural habitats contrast sharply with the mainly cleared agricultural fields of the nearby mainland, thus acting as a magnet to any passing migrants. The bird activity and species mix can change daily. A wave of warblers may arrive one day with Black-browed Reed, Radde’s and Lemon-rumped being among the many possibilities, while another morning might find a host of buntings—Chestnut-eared, Yellow-breasted, Chestnut, and more—in the extensive reedbeds. Gorgeous Pied Harriers course low over the marshes, and Japanese Sparrowhawks patrol the hedgerows for an unwary Scaly Thrush, Siberian Blue Robin, or Bluethroat. A few days here will undoubtedly leave visiting birders feeling the island is aptly named!
The second part of the tour will see us visiting the remote Qinghai Province in the country’s northwest. Our gateway to the region is the city of Xining, on the eastern edge of the vast Tibetan plateau. From here we’ll explore areas of remnant spruce forests in our quest to find such little-known species as Crested Tit-warbler, White-cheeked Nuthatch, and White-backed Thrush before climbing up onto the plateau itself. These high-elevation plains are home to a number of bird species that have been seen by relatively few western birders. Black-necked Crane, Mongolian Ground-Jay, Ala Shan Redstart, and Przevalski’s Rosefinch will be among the many exciting species we will be targeting here.
This year, why not experience fall migration like you’ve never seen it before and join us on an amazing tour to this little-visited part of the world!
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