China July - August 2010, Emei Shan

This is probably the best birding site visited during our China trip. I did not prepare this trip at all, so I had no idea what birds I had to focus on and just birded the mountain for three whole days. We missed the main targets like Grey-hooded Parrotbill, of course, but still managed to see some interesting species.

We hiked up to the peak in two days and down in one day and spent our nights at local monasteries.  During these hikes the following interesting species where recorded: Temminck´s Tragopan (what a big surprise to find three juveniles foraging in almost darkness next to the path!), Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Elliot´s Laughingthrush, Dark-breasted and Vinaceous Rosefinches (at the summit), White-collared and Black-chinned Yuhina, Grey-headed Bullfinch and Spotted Nutcracker. Mixed species where also entertaining (as it was the first time I was confronted with this phenomenon) and included Verditer Flycatcher, Eastern Crowned, Blyth´s and Emei Leaf Warbler, Grey-crowned and Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Red-billed Leiothrix and Grey-hooded Fulvetta.

The worst record shot possible of two young Temminck´s Tragopans (Tragopan temminckii)

Elliot´s Laughingthrush (Garrulax elliotii)

Male Dark-breasted Rosefinch (Carpodacus nipalensis)

The only mammals recorded where the over abundant Pere David´s Macaques, which can be a terrible nuisance along the tracks. Make sure you always carry a long stick with you! The start of the tracks can be found rather easy and can be reached without a hassle by public transport. With better preparation and prior knowledge this site will without a doubt yield a bird list of considerable length and rare and endangered species, like Grey-hooded Parrotbill or Emei Shan Liocichla might be seen. Furthermore, sleeping at the local monasteries is a great experience so I can recommend this site to everyone, birder and non-birder! This post and other posts concerning my 2010 China trip can be downloaded as PDF here.