Southern China - 12th to 28th April 2012

Published by Allan Drewitt (sue AT logrunner.plus.com)

Participants: Peter Clement, Bev McBride, Sue Rees, Allan Drewitt

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Photos with this report (click to enlarge)
Cabot's Tragopan	Pied Falconet	Golden-breasted Fulvetta
Mandarin	White-throated Redstart	Temminck's Tragopan
Temminck's Tragopan

Regions visited - Shanghai, Fujian (Wuyishan), Jiangxi (Wuyuan), Henan (Dongzhai NR)
and Sichuan (Chengdu, Wolong, Balangshan and Laba He)

Introduction

This eighteen day trip to Southern China was planned with the main objective of seeing a good range of China's exotic pheasants, including Cabot's Tragopan at Wuyishan in the east, Reeve's Pheasant at Dongzhai nature reserve in Henan and Temminck's Tragopan in Sichuan. We were largely successful in meeting this objective, seeing eleven out of a potential total of twelve pheasants during the trip, missing out only on Elliot's Pheasant in the Wuyuan area. We also saw a good range of other endemic, near-endemic and restricted range species including Chinese Bamboo-partridge, Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Black-backed Wagtail, Swinhoe's Minivet, Collared Finchbill, Light-vented/Chinese and Chestnut Bulbuls, Chinese Thrush, Chinese and Sichuan Leaf-warblers, Fujian Niltava, Masked, Rusty, Barred, Giant and Elliot's Laughingthrushes, Hwamei, Gold-fronted Fulvetta, White-collared Yuhina, Great, Ashy-throated and Golden Parrotbills, Sichuan, Sooty and Yellow-bellied Tits, Collared Crow, Red-billed Starling, Pink-rumped, Chinese Beautiful and Vinaceous Rosefinches and Yellow-browed, Yellow-throated and Slaty Buntings. Mammals, on the other hand, were few and far between, with the notable highlight of a single Red Panda.

We arranged our trip through www.chinatibettravel.net/ with our excellent guide, Tang Jun, providing all the required transport, accommodation, entrance permits, food and most of the target birds. The British contingent flew from Norwich with KLM via Amsterdam to Shanghai. While in China we flew from Shanghai to Wuyishan (with an unscheduled stopover at Fuzhou) and went by road from Wuyishan to various low altitude birding areas around the city of Wuyuan. We then drove west to Nanchang where we caught an express train to Wuhan and picked up a rental car and driver to take us to Dongzhai nature reserve. We then flew from Wuhan to Chengdu where we visited several high altitude birding locations to the north west and west of the city before flying home from there direct to Amsterdam. Internal air travel during our visit was disrupted by storms (apparently a widespread problem in China) causing delays and one emergency mid-air diversion to an alternative airport. Road travel was generally quick and efficient, with most roads in good repair and with little traffic. The exceptions were the road from Chengdu to Wolong which is still under repair following the 2008 earthquake and subsequent landslides, the incredibly pot-holed and busy road to Laba He (and beyond to Tibet) and the inevitable congestion and tail-backs in Chengdu city. Our single train journey was comfortable and punctual.

Accommodation ranged from basic to very good. Not surprisingly only the most basic lodgings were available at the more remote, on-the-spot locations at Wuyishan, Dongzhai and Wolong, although even these were generally clean with private bathrooms and, importantly, electric blankets. Accommodation at Laba He was very good. Tang Jun is very proud of Chinese food, especially that of his home province Sichuan, and made a special effort to ensure that we were always provided with the best food available. Sichuan food in particular is often quite spicy, offering a range of delicious vegetable, meat and fish dishes accompanied by a usually enormous bowl of rice and equally large bowl of soup. To maximise birding time we often had breakfast on the trail and called in at roadside restaurants for lunch.

Birding habitats ranged from high altitude forest and bamboo scrub at Wuyishan, Wolong, Wu Yi Peng, Balangshan and Laba He, to lower altitude forest at Dongzhai and around Wuyuan, and some riparian and wetland habitats in the farmland around Wuyuan. At Balangshan we birded up to the pass and above the snowline at over 4,000m. The weather was generally warm and sunny, with some low cloud and rain at high altitude and freezing temperatures at Balangshan in the early morning.

Wuyishan Nature Reserve

We missed a night and half a day's birding at Wuyishan due to our unscheduled diversion to Fujian. On arriving at Wuyishan airport we were picked up by our local guide and driver Lin Jiansheng (Mr Lin) and taken directly to the nature reserve, with a few stops during the three hour drive for some introductory birds, including Brown Dipper, Chinese Bulbul and Chinese Goshawk. After dropping our baggage at the basic nature reserve accommodation at the foot of the mountain we headed up through the bamboo forest on the lower slopes, birding on the way, until we eventually reached the montane forest above the entrance barrier. Here we quickly saw one of our target species: two female Cabot's Tragopans feeding on the roadside. Other species included Kloss's Warbler (split from White-tailed), Alstrom's Warbler (one of several splits from Golden-spectacled) and Grey-chinned Minivet.

Over the next two days here we saw more tragopans, including three males, all on or near the road, along with a displaying male Silver Pheasant, White-backed Woodpecker, Rusty Laughingthrush, Grey-hooded and Dusky Fulvettas, Striated and Black-chinned Yuhinas, Chestnut-vented Nuthatch, the endemic Yellow-bellied Tit, Chestnut Bulbul, Streak-breasted Scimitar-babbler, Pygmy Wren-babbler and nesting Little Forktails. At higher altitudes up to 2200m we checked more open, scrub habitats and found Brownish-flanked and Yellowish-bellied Bush-warblers, Bianchi's Warbler (another Golden-spectacled Warbler split), Siberian Stonechat, White-browed Shortwing and Golden Parrotbill (but no Short-tailed Parrotbill).

On our last afternoon, and just as rain and low cloud set in, we headed down the hill to our lunch stop in the village of Huang Cun, obtaining a brief view of a roadside Chinese Bamboo-partridge on the way.

Wuyuan area

We made a few roadside stops in the farmland on our way to the city of Wuyuan, finding the first of many Chinese Pond-herons and Collared Finchbills along with Red-billed Starling, Masked Laughingthrush, White-rumped Munia and Chinese Blackbird. We arrived in Wuyuan in the evening and, having checked into the comfortable and modern Tian Ma (Heaven Horse) Hotel, we went into town to eat and then to bed early for a very early start the next day.

The farmland, riparian scrub and hillside forest of the Wuyuan area are most notable for two species: the endemic Elliot's Pheasant and the rare and endangered Blue-crowned Laughingthrush (split from Yellow-throated Laughingthrush). We spent most of our time birding the forested slopes in hope of seeing the former, and remnant riparian forest and even gardens in search of the latter, with no luck in either case. Elliot's Pheasant presents a considerable challenge as it does not seem to call and keeps to the forest (to which easy access is very limited), unlike Silver and Common Pheasants which feed in the adjacent fields. In the case of the laughingthrush, this dispersive bird normally returns to its breeding haunts around mid-April. Unfortunately, due to the unusually late spring in 2012, we were too early and we later heard that the first birds returned just two days after we left the area.

Despite missing the two target species we were rewarded with several other new species, including Long-billed Plover, Black-backed Wagtail, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Chinese (Yellow-beaked) Grosbeak and Chestnut-faced Bunting in the paddies and other farmland. The wooded areas held Crested Goshawk, Black-winged Cuckooshrike, White-crowned Forktail, Swinhoe's (Brown-rumped) Minivet, Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, Hwamei and Grey Treepie while the river and associated riparian vegetation supported Mandarin, Garganey, Crested Kingfisher, Masked Laughingthrush, Yellow-browed Bunting and several singing Lesser Shortwings which we did not expect this far north. A group of White-throated Needletails were a welcome sight at one riverside location and we had memorable rooftop views of two Pied Falconets at a lunchtime restaurant in the village of Xiaoqi.

Dongzhai Nature Reserve

This area of forested hillside amidst paddy fields and tea plantations is located about two and a half hours' drive from Wuhan. The basic accommodation at the reserve headquarters is next to the forest with ready access on foot to areas frequented by the endemic Reeve's Pheasant. This was our target species here and we were not disappointed, managing views of several males in flight during our first day, including unusually prolonged views (i.e. several seconds) of one flying past us through an open clearing. We considered ourselves fortunate to see these birds as, despite a pre-dawn start, we only succeeded in a brief view of a single female the next day. Other species seen at Dongzhai and on neighbouring farmland included Blue Whistling Thrush around the accommodation, Yellow-rumped Flycatcher, Azure-winged Magpie, White-collared Crow, Russet Sparrow, Grey-capped Greenfinch and Meadow Bunting.

After driving back to Wuhan and taking our delayed flight to Chengdu (another storm) we eventually checked into the comfortable Wenjun hotel before heading off the following morning to Wolong.

Wolong

Our main birding location at Wolong was a small monastery on the lower slopes of the valley and the adjacent riverside. In one evening here we eventually tracked down some calling Golden Pheasants, locating two males as they foraged in open scrub on the hillside above the monastery. Another highlight was singing Chestnut Thrush, along with Mountain Hawk Eagle, the endemic Elliot's Laughingthrush, Yellow-streaked and Alpine (Tickell's) Leaf-warbler and our first White-collared Yuhina and White-capped Water-redstart. A little further up the road towards Balangshan we also had our most memorable mammal sighting: a roadside view of a Red Panda as it made its way down the bank on the far side of the river.

Wu Yi Peng

Until recently this forested hillside a few kilometres above Wolong was perhaps the best location for viewing Temminck's Tragopan. Following the 2008 earthquake the small visitor centre and hostel at the top of the hill had been knocked down and was, at the time of our visit, being rebuilt. The consequent noise and disturbance has apparently displaced the tragopans, or at least made them more wary and difficult to see. As a result we were hard-pressed to get glimpses of three birds, including two males, before they disappeared into the undergrowth. Although we spent most time searching for tragopans at the top we recorded a number of other species along the steep path from the valley floor, including the stunning Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Red-flanked Bluetail, Grey-headed Bullfinch, a calling Chinese Babax and the endemic Barred Laughingthrush. Other species seen higher up included an unexpected Chinese Thrush, Rufous-gorgetted Flycatcher and Sooty and Grey-crested Tits.

Balangshan

Balangshan is a magical place for high altitude birding, especially if well prepared with extra warm clothing and hot coffee for the pre-dawn cold at over 3,500m. We spent three mornings in this area, birding from the roadside and scoping the distant hillsides for pheasants.

Weather conditions are very variable and unpredictable here but we had one perfectly clear morning, with some mist, fog and rain on subsequent visits. The most memorable birds on the lower slopes around the tunnel were White-eared Pheasants, with up to seven seen on the opposite hillside, a male and female Koklass Pheasant (much more often heard than seen), a single female Chinese Monal and a flock of at least 40 Grandalas feeding on the grassy slopes above the road with a larger flock of Brandt's Mountain-finches. Other notable species seen here were Blood Pheasant, Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Snow Pigeon, Wallcreeper, Kessler's Thrush, Alpine Chough, Dark-breasted Rosefinch and Collared and White-winged Grosbeaks. We also saw two distant Blue Sheep grazing high up on the grassy slopes and a Wild Boar.

Higher up the mountain, beyond the tunnel and approaching the pass, we saw Tibetan Snowcock and several groups of Snow Partridge, along with Alpine Accentor, Black Redstart and, at the pass itself, Red-fronted Rosefinch. Crossing the pass we headed downhill towards the village of Rilong and checked the lower elevation scrub and trees. Here we found a different range of species, including Giant Laughingthrush, Sichuan, Chestnut-vented and Black-browed Tits, White-throated Redstart, a small flock of Hill Pigeons resting on cliffs on the opposite side of the valley, White-browed Rosefinch, Himalayan (Bar-tailed) Treecreeper, Wallcreeper and a Golden Eagle overhead.

Jiejin Pass

We travelled through this mountainous area on our 430km journey from Balangshan to Laba He. A couple of roadside stops to view some open, grassy slopes with scattered, low scrub rewarded us with a few new species including both Pink-rumped and Beautiful Chinese Rosefinches, Godlewski's Bunting and Crag Martin, along with several Daurian and White-throated Redstarts.

Laba He Nature Reserve

This spectacular reserve on the forested slopes of the Er Lang Mountains west of Chengdu gave us a valuable second chance to see Temminck's Tragopan along with an opportunity to see Lady Amherst's Pheasant. It did not disappoint and, on our first morning, we saw two female Tragopans followed by excellent views of a male from the vehicle. Having considered this the pinnacle of tragopan viewing we were amazed the following day to see a displaying male just a few metres from the upper boardwalk, in full view and apparently unconcerned by our presence. As if this were not enough, we also saw several Lady Amherst's Pheasants, including some at close range, although this wary species proved much more difficult to photograph than the tragopan.

Other more notable species recorded at Laba He include White-bellied Redstart, Slaty-blue Flycatcher, Sichuan Leaf-warbler, Chinese Bush-warbler, Streak-throated Fulvetta (split from Grey-hooded), Brown Parrotbill, Fulvous Parrotbill (heard only) and Vinaceous Rosefinch, all from the upper boardwalk, with Brown and Russet Bush-warbler in bamboo next to the access road. Exploration of an alternative, disused track above the entrance road allowed access to lower elevation forest with additional species such as Ultramarine Flycatcher, White-throated Laughingthrush, the endemic Gold-fronted Fulvetta, Golden Parrotbill and Yellow-throated and Slaty Buntings. Several Sambar were also seen here and on the opposite hillside and we also saw two species of macaque.

After a final, memorable morning's birding at Laba He we made our way back to Chengdu, calling briefly at a riverside stop just outside the town of Ya'an to view several Ashy-throated Parrotbills, the last new bird of the trip. Having once more checked into the Wenjun hotel we went into town for a final meal with Tang Jun and some cold beers in his Traveller's Bar.

For more photos go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/31003918@N05/sets/72157629586150682/

Itinerary

12th April arrive Shanghai , internal flight to Fuzhou (Wuyishan airport closed due to tropical storm)
13th April flight from Fuzhou to Wuyishan and met by Mr Lin for drive to Wuyishan NP
14th April Wuyishan NP
15th April Wuyishan NP am, drove to Wuyuan in late afternoon
16th April Wuyuan area (mainly south and southwest)
17th April Wuyuan area (mainly riparian forest west of Zhongyuan and hills north of Xiaoqi)
18th April Wuyuan and Zhongyun township am, drove to Nanchang and caught train to Wuhan pm, drove from Wuhan station to Dongzhai NR in late pm.
19th April Dongzhai NR
20th April Dongzhai NR am then drive via lunch and birding stop to Wuhan airport and fly to Chengdu in pm, arrived Chengdu late pm.
21st April drove to Dujiangyan University Forest Park in am then on to Wolong in pm, arrived Wolong mid-afternoon.
22nd April Wolong to Balangshan
23rd April Wolong to Balangshan in am; returned to Wolong for walk to Wu Yi Peng late morning.
24th April Wolong to Balangshan, Rilong. Jiejin Pass, Baoxing, Linguan and Laba He.
25th April Laba He (forested slopes of Er Lang Mountains)
26th April La Ba He (forested slopes of Er Lang Mountains)
27th April Laba He (lower slopes of tropical forest above entrance road) in am then drove via Ya’an back to Chengdu in pm.
28th April Chengdu (Baihuatan Park and University campus) in am then drove to airport for mid-day departures

Species Lists

Nomenclature largely follows An Annotated List of the Birds of the Oriental Region. Inskipp, Lindsey & Duckworth (1996), but incorporates some recent revisions from Gill, F & D Donsker (Eds). 2012. IOC World Bird Names (v 3.1) http://www.worldbirdnames.org.
* = Endemic to China

Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa Total of 10 Balangshan Pass area on 22nd and 15 there on 24th.

Tibetan Snowcock Tetrogallus tibetanus Single high above Balangshan Pass on 22nd, 2 in flight there on 24th and two crossing the road and running uphill Jiejin Pass also on 24th.

White-necklaced Partridge Arborophila gingica (heard only) At least one calling Wuyishan on 14th.

Chinese Bamboo Partridge Bambusicola thoracica Heard calling daily at Wuyishan on 14th and 15th, one seen briefly by the side of the road on way down from Wuyishan on 15th and at least one heard calling around Wuyuan on 16th.

Blood Pheasant Ithagnis cruentus About 4 (two seen well, others heard calling) above the tunnel area, Balangshan on 23rd.

Temminck’s Tragopan Tragopan temminckii Brief views of one female (flushed from beside the path) and two males along the path from Wu Yi Peng on 23rd; two females seen by the road at Laba He in early morning of 25th and a male seen on forested slope slightly higher up shortly afterwards; a displaying male in a small valley by the start of the upper boardwalk for almost an hour (and at one stage briefly accompanied by two females) at Laba He on the morning of 26th was the undoubted highlight of the trip.

Cabot's Tragopan* Tragopan caboti (Threatened) Two females crossed the track at Wuyishan NP on the first drive up the mountain on the evening of 13th; better views of two males also crossing the track at Wuyishan NP on 14th and two females by the track and a male in forest just above the track on the morning of 15th.

Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha Two males heard calling from mountain scrub above and below the tunnel area, Balangshan, in the early mornings of 22nd and 23rd and two birds including a male briefly in the open there on the morning of 23rd.

Chinese Monal* Lophophorus lhuysii (Threatened) A female high on the hillside above the tunnel at Balangshan on the morning of 23rd.

Silver Pheasant Lophura nycthemera A displaying male slowly crossed the lower track at Wuyishan on the morning of 15th; up to 9 birds including adult and immature males in fields and forested areas around Wuyuan on the morning of the 17th and 2 males in forest near Zhong Yun township, Wuyuan on the 18th.

White Eared Pheasant* Crossoptilon crossoptilon (Near-threatened) Four males on slopes above the tunnel area, Balangshan, on the morning of 22nd and 7 there on 23rd.

Reeves's Pheasant* Syrmaticus reevesii (Threatened) Only seen at Dongzhai NR, four males flushed from close to the main track on the morning of 19th, a fine fly-by male near the abandoned buildings later that morning and another (or the same) male in the same area in the afternoon, and a single female early morning on the 20th.

Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus suehschanensis About five in riverside fields and scrub near Wuyuan on 16th, three between Wuyuan and Nanchang on 18th and one heard calling on hillside near Wolong on evening of 21st.

Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus Three including two males seen and heard on hillside near the monastery above Wolong on the evening of 21st; also one male heard calling close to track to Wu Yi Peng on 23rd.

Lady Amherst’s Pheasant Chrysolophus amherstiae Heard calling frequently every day at Laba He between 25th and 27th and 5 including two adult males seen on the track on 25th and 26th and four males on the morning of 27th.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Single on river between Wuyuan and Nanchang on 18th.

Eastern Spot-billed Duck Anas zonorhyncha Four on river near Wuyuan on 16th and about ten on the main river at Wuyuan on the following day.

Garganey Anas querquedula Flock of 9 (5 males and 4 females) on the river near Wuyuan on 16th.

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata About 7 at two river locations near Wuyuan on 17th and a pair along the river west of Baoxing en route to Laba He on 24th.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Fairly common in the Wuyuan area with up to 6 on the 17th.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Numerous on rivers and large lakes seen from train between Nanchang and Wuhan on 18th and at least 2 on a lake near Linguan on 24th.

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Three between Wuhan and Dongzhai NR on evening of 18th.

Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus Fairly common below Wuyishan NR and around Wuyuan area with up to 5 on 16th and also a single in flight below Laba He on 26th.

Eastern) Cattle Egret Bubulcus (ibis) coromandus Flock of about 15 in rice fields below Wuyishan NR on 15th, up to 3 around Wuyuan on 16th and 18th and about 10 along the river west of Baoxing on 24th.

Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia Three in fields near Fuzhou on 12th, single en route to Wuyishan NR on 13th, fairly numerous in fields around Wuyuan on 15th and single from train between Nanchang and Wuhan on 18th.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta Fairly common, seen on seven dates including on river in centre of Chengdu.

Pied Falconet Microhierax melanoleucos A pair in trees near a possible nest site at Xiaoqi, near Wuhan on 17th.

Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus A female near the town of Wuyishan on 13th.

Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus An adult and a sub-adult over Balangshan on the morning of 22nd.

Himalayan Griffon Vulture Gyps himalayensis Up to 5 over Balangshan on the morning of 22nd; single near Jiejin Pass on 24th and one high over Laba He on 26th.

Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela Single low over roadside forest near Xiaoqi on 17th.

Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilonotus Single over river near Dongzhai

Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus Two including one bird perched in tree close to lunch restaurant near Wuyuan on 16th, about three individuals in the Wuyuan area on 17th and 4 birds including a pair displaying Dongzhai NR on 19th.

Chinese Goshawk Accipiter soloensis A single sitting on a roadside post near Wuyishan on 13th.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus A single at Balangshan on the morning of 23rd and other singles at Laba He on 26th and 27th.

Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus Singles Balangshan on 22nd and Jiejin Pass on 24th.

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos A pair high over the crags and forest above Rilong on 24th.

Mountain Hawk Eagle Nisaetus/Spizaetus nipalensis Single seen briefly high over Wolong on 21st.

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Two in riverside scrub near Wuyuan on 16th and single on 17th.

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola One flushed from close to the track in forest near Wuyuan on 16th.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus About 8 seen on rice fields from train between Nanchang and Wuhan on 18th.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Single on river near Wuhan on 16th.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Single on river near Dongzhai

Common Redshank Tringa totanus A few seen on rice fields from train between Nanchang and Wuhan on 18th.

Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus Small numbers in fields around Wuyuan with up to 6 on 16th.

Long-billed Plover Charadrius placidus One on rice fields and another on a river near small village SW of Wuyuan on 16th.

White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Single seen over rice fields from train between Nanchang and Wuhan on 18th.

Rock/Feral Dove Columba livia Fairly common in small numbers in most towns and some villages.
Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris At least 15 on open cliff face above Rilong on 24th.

Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota About 8 at Balangshan on morning of 22nd and 50+ in two flocks on slopes at Jiejin Pass on 24th.

Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis Only seen around Wuyuan and at Dongzhai NR; up to 5 at Dongzhai NR on 19th.

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Fairly common in small numbers at most rural towns and villages, seen on 9 dates.

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Two at Wuyishan on 13th and single Wuyuan on 18th.
Barred Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia unchall Single by the side of the track at Wuyishan NR on 14th.

Large Hawk Cuckoo Cuculus sparveroides Frequent to common (but only heard calling) around Wuyuan and at Dongzhai between 15th and 19th.

Lesser Cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus Single heard calling near checkpoint on Wuyishan NR on 15th

Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis Single heard calling at Dongzhai NR on 19th.

Oriental Scops-Owl Otus sunia At least two individuals heard calling at night at Dongzhai NR on 18th and 19th.

Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei Several heard calling in the day around Wuyuan on 16th and 17th and also at Dongzhai on 18th and 19th.

Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus One heard calling at dawn from track at Dongzhai NR on morning of 20th.

White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus At least 4 in passing flock over riverside park Wuyuan on 17th.

Pacific Swift Apus pacificus At least 30 around breeding cliffs along entrance road to Laba He on 27th.

House Swift Apus nipalensis Five over small village and riverside area near Wuyuan on 16th and 2 near Wolong on 21st.

Common Hoopoe Upapa epops Single in fields below Wu Yi Peng on 22nd

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Two individuals in Wuyuan area on 15th and a single the following day.

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Two singles by some fields at a roadside stop near Wuyuan on 15th.

Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris Two individuals on power lines across the river near Wuyuan on 17th.

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Single from train between Nanchang and Wuhan on 18th.

Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis Single heard calling near Wuyuan on 16th.

White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos Single Wuyishan NR on 14th, 5 at Dongzhai on 19th and 20th and a single on lower slopes of Laba He on 27th.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Fairly common in small numbers; seen at Wuyuan, Dongzhai, Wolong and Laba He.

Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus Single excavating nest hole in the riverside park at Wuyuan on 17th and another heard calling at Dongzhai on 19th.

Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris About 30 in two gorges between Jiejin Pass and Baoxing on 24th.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Fairly common in small numbers and seen on eight dates.

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica Locally common, mostly around Wuyishan and Wuyuan in pairs or small groups, seen on six dates.

Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus Large breeding flock of at least 40 birds on cliff face above the track to Wuyishan on 14th and 15th; single at Dongzhai NR on 20th

White Wagtail Motacilla alba alboides Fairly common, small numbers seen on seven dates.

Black-backed Wagtail Motacilla lugens Small numbers present around Wuyuan and seen on three dates 15th – 17th with up to 6 on 16th.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Locally common near rivers and seen on five dates, most numerous around Laba He.

Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni Fairly common at Wuyishan, Wuyuan and Dongzhai NR and also 1-2 seen on lower slopes of Laba He.

Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus First seen at Wuyishan then common at high levels of Balangshan and below tree line at Laba He where at least 50 present on 25th.

Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike Coracina melaschistos A pair present in trees at the riverside park, Wuyuan on 17th.

Swinhoe’s/Brown-rumped Minivet Pericrocotus cantonensis Singles around Wuyuan on 16th-18th, 2 at Dongzhai NR on 19th and a flock of at least 40 there on 20th

Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris Up to 6 daily at Wuyishan between 13th and 15th and 6 near Wuyuan on 17th.

Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus Fairly common at Laba He 25th – 28th with up to 10 on 25th.

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Small numbers seen at Wuyishan and around Wuyuan and 2 between Chengdu and Wolong on 21st.

Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus Single below Balangshan on mornings of 22nd and 23rd and one singing from top of tree at Laba He on morning of 26th.

Collared Finchbill Spizixos semitorques Common and numerous between Wuyuan and Dongzhai NR between 15th and 19th.

Chestnut Bulbul Hemixos castanonotus Two on lower part of track at Wuyishan on morning of 15th and at least 2 in forest near Wuyuan on 16th.

Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii Two along the track at Wuyishan NR on 14th.

Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus leucothorax Fairly common at Wuyishan with several large roaming flocks and two white-headed birds in tree close to the track on 15th; also a single near Wuyuan on 16th.

Brown-breasted Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthorrhous Two in fields near river SW of Wuyuan on 16th.

Chinese (Light-vented) Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis Fairly common and numerous, seen on ten dates and only absent from the Wolong to Balangshan area.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus Single in forest below Balangshan on 22nd and 2 seen or heard along upper boardwalk at Laba He on 25th and 26th.

Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii Two seen on rivers near Wuyishan on 13th and 15th and another on river below Laba He on 26th.

Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris First seen at Balangshan on 22nd then up to 30 there and at Jiejin Pass on 24th.

Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunela strophiata Singles Balangshan on 22nd and 23rd, 2 Jiejin Pass on 24th and another Laba He on 25th.

Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris Common along the track at Wuyishan with up to 10 daily on 14th and 15th; single above the upper boardwalk Laba He on 25th.

Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus Singles Wuyishan 13th to 15th, 2 (a pair) around the HQ area Dongzhai NR on 19th, single near Wolong on 21st and up to 5 along entrance road to Laba He on 24th with singles in same area on 25th and 27th.

Blackbird Turdus (merula) mandarinus Fairly common around Wuyuan (including in city centre) with up to 20 there on 17th and two in Chengdu University campus on morning of 28th.

Chestnut Thrush Turdus rubrocanus gouldi First seen around the monastery above Wolong on 21st, then heard singing at Balangshan on 22nd and 6 between Wolong and Balangshan on 23rd; two at Laba He on 24th and single there on 25th.

Kessler’s Thrush Turdus kessleri Only seen high on slopes above the tunnel at Balangsham with at least 4 on 22nd and 2 on 23rd.

Chinese Thrush* Turdus mupinensis Single at top of track to Wu Yi Peng on 23rd.

Plain Prinia Prinia inornata At least 2 in rape seed and grass fields near Wuyuan on 16th.

Brownish–flanked Bush Warbler Cettia fortipes Fairly common but much more often heard giving its distinctive song than seen, recorded on 10 dates from most locations.

Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler Cettia acanthizoides Heard singing at Wuyishan NR 14th and 15th and again at upper levels of Laba He on 25th and 26th (with up to about 5 on last date).

Chinese Bush Warbler Bradypterus taczanowskius Single seen and three heard upper Laba He forest on 25th and single seen and up to five heard there the following day.

Russet Bush Warbler Bradypterus mandelli Single heard and seen briefly in flight Laba He on 25th.

Brown Bush Warbler Bradypterus luteoventris Single heard briefly Laba He on 25th.

Alpine/Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus occisinensis First seen near Wolong with 3 on 21st, 2 at Balangshan on 23rd and about 5 singing in forest above Rilong on 24th and 1 at Laba He on 25th.

Yellow-streaked Warbler Phylloscopus armandii Single by the river near Wolong on 21st.

Buff-barred Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher At least 1 in open forest and bamboo along the upper boardwalk at Laba He on 25th.

Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus Two along the track at Wuyishan on 14th and 2 in scrub at Balangshan on 22nd.

Sichuan Leaf Warbler* Pylloscopus forresti Fairly common and numerous at Laba He between 25th and 27th with up to about 15 there on the last date.

Chinese Leaf Warbler* Phylloscopus yunnanensis First seen at Wu Yi Peng with about 5 there on 23rd, 2 at Balangshan on 24th, at least 10 at Laba He on 25th and 4 there the following day.

Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Up to 5 heard calling in roadside trees and forest near Wuyuan on 16th and at least 1 the following day; at least 10 Dongzhai NR on 19th and 3 in roadside scrub at Balangshan on 22nd.

Hume’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei At least 1 seen and heard singing briefly at Balangshan on the morning of 22nd, several heard singing in forest above Rilong on 24th and at least 3 singing at Laba He on 25th.

Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides Single in trees at Dujiangyan University Forest Park on the morning of 21st, single Balangshan the following day and another Wu Yi Peng on 23rd.

Large-billed Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris Single heard singing along the entrance road to Laba He on 26th.

Claudia’s (Blyth’s) Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus claudiae Common and numerous with many in song Wuyishan on 14th and 15th; 2 in trees at Dujiangyan University Forest Park on the morning of 21st, up to 4 along the track to Wu Yi Peng on 23rd and up to 3 Laba He between 25th and 27th.

Kloss’s (White-tailed) Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus disturbans Only seen at Wuyishan with singles daily between 13th and 15th.

Bianchi’s Warbler Seicercus valentini This and the following two species have been split from ‘Golden-spectacled Warbler’ and were identified mainly on altitude and some differences in calls and song; at least 6 at the upper levels of Wuyishan on 14th, 3 at Balangshan on 22nd and about 5 at the upper boardwalk at Laba He on 27th.

Alstrom’s Warbler Seicercus soror At least 2 at middle levels of Wuyishan on 14th and about 5 at middle to lower levels of Laba He on 27th (see Bianchi's Warbler).

Martens’ Warbler Seicercus omeiensis One Dujiangyan University Forest Park on the morning of 21st and about 10 at the start of the track to Wu Yi Peng on 23rd (see Bianchi's warbler).
Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps At least 6 Wuyishan on 14th.

Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis Single along the road to Wuyishan on 13th and two in bamboo along the main track there on 15th.

Rufous-gorgetted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata Single along the track to Wu Yi Peng on 23rd and 2 at Laba He on 25th and 26th.

Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor Two from the upper boardwalk at Laba He on 26th.

Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris Single seen briefly in lower level forest Laba He on 27th.

Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae Two males seen briefly in forest from the track at Wuyishan on 14th.

Fujian Niltava Niltava davidi Singles Wuyishan 14th and above Wolong 22nd and 2 in lower level forest at Laba He on 27th.

Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis Single along the track to Wu Yi Peng on 23rd and 2 in lower level forest Laba He on 27th.

Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophrys At least 6 individuals heard singing from small areas of dense cover of mainly riverside scrub and bushes around Wuyuan on 16th and 17th.

White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana Two seen briefly in upper level bamboo and others heard singing at Wuyishan on 14th and 15th.

Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus At least 3 along the track to Wu Yi Peng on 23rd, up to 6 between Balangshan and forest above Rilong on 24th, and at least one seen and up to 5 heard singing at Laba He on 26th and 27th.

Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis Singles daily around Wuyishan between 13th and 16th and 2 around Wuyuan on 17th.

Black Redstart Phoenicurs ochruros rufiventris Single Balangshan on 22nd and another near Jiejin Pass on 24th.

White-throated Redstart Phoenicurus schisticeps Total of about 8 near Balangshan and Jiejin Passes on 24th.

Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus A male near Wolong on 21st and 4 (two pairs) between Rilong and Jiejin Pass on 24th.

Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis Up to 7 Balangshan on 23rd and 8 there and near Jiejin Pass the following day; also a pair in tree top at Laba He on 25th.

White-capped Redstart (River Chat) Chaimarrornis leucocephalus First seen on the river near Wolong on 21st then between Jiejin Pass and Baoxing and up to 4 at Laba He on 26th.

Plumbeous Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosus Fairly common and present on most rivers and seen on 11 dates.

White-bellied Redstart Hodgsonius phaenicuroides Single male seen and heard singing from upper boardwalk at Laba He on 26th and up to 4 others heard singing; single heard singing briefly the following day from lower level forest.

Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura All birds presumed to be of the race stejnegeri; 1-2 daily in Wuyishan between 14th and 16th, single near Wuyuan on 18th and a pair by the river at Wolong on 21st.

Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea Single at high level on Wuyishan on 14th.

Grandala Grandala coelicolor About 40 around the pass at Balangshan on 22nd and 2 there on 24th.

Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri Up to 3 including a pair at a nest site at Wuyishan on 13th to 15th.

White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaulti Single at the edge of forest near Wuyuan on the early morning of 17th and up to 3 also around Wuyuan the following day.

Masked Laughingthrush Garrulax perspicillatus First seen in roadside fields and scrub near Wuyuan on 15th, at least 3 in riverside bushes near Wuyuan the following day; single heard at Dongzhai NR on 18th and up to 8 seen there on 19 - 20th.

White-throated Laughingthrush Garrulax albogularis Up to 10 in lower level forest at Laba He on 26th and 27th.

Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax pectoralis First seen in woodland near the river at Wuyuan on 16th then up to 5 daily in Wuyuan area on 17th and 18th.

Hwamei Garrulax canorus Single seen briefly Wuyishan on 13th and up to 3 seen and heard daily in the Wuyuan and Dongzhai NR area between 16th and 19th.

Chinese Babax Babax lanceolatus A single heard calling on way up to Wu Yi Peng on 23rd refused to show itself.

White-browed Laughingthrush Pterorhinus sannio Single near Wuyuan on 17th, 2 on outskirts of Chengdu and 2 at Dujiangyan University Forest Park on the morning of 21st, at least one calling by the river at Ya’an on 27th and 2 Baihuatan Park, Chengdu on the morning of 28th.

Barred Laughingthrush* Ianthocincla lunulatus (Near-threatened) Single seen and another heard calling on the track below Wu Yi Peng on 23rd.

Giant Laughingthrush* Ianthocincla maximus Single heard calling from scrub above the tunnel
area Balangshan on morning of 22nd and up to 8 on the other side of the pass down to above Rilong seen and heard the following day.

Rusty Laughingthrush Garrulax poecilorhynchus Four together along the track at Wuyishan on 14th.

Elliot’s Laughingthrush* Trohalopteron elliotii First seen along the river at Wolong on 21st then fairly common between there and Balangshan and at Laba He between 22nd and 26th.

Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis Up to 4 seen or heard daily at Wuyishan between 14th and 16th, with singles in the Wuyuan area 17th and 18th and a single heard at Laba He on 26th.

Pygmy Wren-babbler Pnoepyga pusilla Single seen and heard calling Wuyishan on 14th, single seen briefly and heard calling by the track to Wu Yi Peng on 23rd and several heard calling Laba He 25th to 27th.

Spotted Wren-babbler Spelaeornis formosus Single heard calling Wuyishan on 15th.

Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyris ruficeps Fairly common in small numbers Wuyishan, Wuyuan and Laba He.

Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea Very common at Wuyishan on 13th to 15th; several heard calling in roadside scrub along the entrance road to Laba He on 26th.

White-browed Shrike Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis At least 10 along the track at Wuyishan on 14th and several heard calling there the following day.

Golden-breasted Fulvetta Lioparus chrysotis First seen on the track to Wu Yi Peng, with up to 6 on 23rd, and up to 6 daily at Laba He between 25th and 27th.

Gold-fronted Fulvetta* Alcippe variegaticeps (Threatened) Two in dense bamboo in lower elevation forest at Laba He on 27th.

Grey-hooded Fulvetta Fulvetta cinereiceps Up to 4 Wuyishan on 14th and 15th

Streak-throated Fulvetta Fulvetta manipurensis Ten at Laba He on 25th and 5 there on 27th (split from Grey-hooded Fulvetta).

Dusky Fulvetta Fulvetta brunnea Single Wuyishan on 14th.

Grey-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe davidi Up to 10 in the Wuyuan area between 15th and 17th and 2 Laba He on 26th.

Striated Yuhina Yuhina castaniceps Two together along the main track at Wuyishan on 14th.

White-collared Yuhina Yuhina diademata First seen at Wolong on 21st then up to about 5 daily between there and Laba He between 22nd and 27th.

Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta Flock of about 12 in scrub by the main track on Wuyishan on 14th.

Great Parrotbill Conostoma aemodium One heard calling from bamboo on upper slopes of Laba He on the morning of 26th.

Brown Parrotbill Cholornis unicolor Flock of 6 in bamboo by the upper level boardwalk at Laba He on 25th increasing to at least 10 in the same area the following day.

Vinous-throated Parrotbill Sinornis webbianus Five in riverside bamboos near Wuyuan on 17th, about 10 Dongzhai NR on 19th and single Baihuatan Park, Chengdu on the morning of 28th.

Ashy-throated Parrotbill Sinornis alphonsianus At least 10 in riverside bamboo and rape just outside Ya’an on 27th.

Fulvous Parrotbill Paradoxornis fulvifrons At least one heard in bamboo below upper boardwalk at Laba He

Golden Parrotbill Sinornis verreauxi Two in bamboo at the upper level of Wuyishan on 14th and at least one heard there the following day; 2 together in bamboo on lower level of Laba He on 27th.

Black-throated (Red-crowned) Tit Aegithalos concinnus Fairly common in small numbers at Wuyishan, Wuyuan and Dongzhai NR between 15th and 19th.

Black-browed Tit Aegithalos iouschistos Three together in alpine bushes and scrub on Balangshan on 24th and 2 Laba He on 27th.

Sooty Tit* Aegithalos fuliginosus Single on track to Wu Yi Peng on 23rd and another the following day in forest above Rilong.

Sichuan Tit* Poecile(songarus) weigoldei About 6 in mixed flock in forest above Rilong on 24th, single at upper level of Laba He on 25th.

Coal Tit Periparus ater aemodius Up to 4 in Wuyishan on 13th and 14th, 2 on track to Wu Yi Peng on 23rd and singles in upper level forest at Laba He on 24th to 26th.

Rufous-vented Tit Periparus rubidiventris Three in mixed flock above Rilong on 24th and 2 at Laba He on 25th.

Yellow-bellied Tit* Pardaliparus venustulus Fairly commonly seen at Wuyishan, Wuyuan, Wolong and family parties in lower level forest at Laba He on 24th to 27th.

Grey-crested Tit Lophophanes dichrous Single at Wu Yi Peng on 23rd.

Great/Japanese Tit Parus major/minor Fairly common at Wuyishan, Wuyuan, Dongzhai NR and Chengdu, replaced thereafter by Green-backed Tit.

Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus First seen at Wolong on 21st then fairly common or numerous on Balangshan to Laba He between 22nd and 27th.

Yellow-cheeked Tit Parus spilonotus Four Wuyishan daily on 13th and 14th.

Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus Single Wuyishan on 14th, up to 5 along track to Wu Yi Peng on 23rd and up to 6 in high level forest at Laba He on 25th and 26th.

Chestnut-vented Nuthatch Sitta nagaiensis Single Wuyishan 15th, up to 4 on track to Wu Yi Peng 23rd, 2 Laba He on 25th and single there 27th.

Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea Two Wuyishan on 14th.

Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria Single by the tunnel at Balangshan on 22nd and at least 4 below Jiejin Pass on 24th.

Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Single in roadside scrub at Balangshan on 23rd.

Bar-tailed or Himalayan Treecreeper Certhia himalayana Two in roadside trees above Rilong on 24th.

Mrs.Gould’s Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae A male in open forest and another heard calling nearby near Wuyuan on 16th, single Balangshan 22nd, a female on track to Wu Yi Peng 23rd and about 10 in lower level forest Laba He on the morning of 27th.

Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus Small numbers, up to 5, seen at Wuyishan, Wuyuan, Dongzhai NR, Wolong and Laba He

Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus salangensis A pair in riverside park, Wuyuan 17th.

Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius Common in small numbers at Wuyishan, around Wuyuan and Dongzhai NR.

Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyana kansuensis About 10 seen from the train between Nanchang and Wuhan on 18th, 6 at Dongzhai on 20thand a single over the main road near Chengdu on 27th.

Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae Up to four in forest patches around Wuyuan between 16th and 18th.

Red-billed Blue Magpie Orocissa erythrorhyncha Fairly common in small numbers or family groups and seen on 11 dates in most locations.

Eurasian Magpie Pica pica Single by the roadside in Shanghai on 12th and up to 10 Dongzhai NR on 18th and 19th.

Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes First seen above Wolong on 21st, heard on track to Wu Yi Peng on 23rd, and fairly numerous in upper forest level at Laba He on 25th and 26th.

Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Two above the tunnel area Balangshan on 22nd and about 50 at the cliff-face above Rilong on 24th.

Yellow-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus At least 10 on the slopes below the pass at Balangshan on 22nd.

Large-billed Crow Corvus japonensis Fairly common in small numbers at Balangshan and Laba He 22nd to 27th.

Collared Crow Corvus torquatus Single seen and another heard Dongzhai NR on 19th and one seen over nearby cultivated area the following day.

Common Raven Corvus corax Single Laba He on 26th.

Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus Fairly common around Shanghai, Wuyishan, Wuyuan and Chengdu.

Red-billed Starling Sturnus sericeus Fairly common around Wuyuan with up to 15 on 17th and 2 Dongzhai NR on 19th.

Black-collared Starling Sturnus nigricollis Only seen in fields around Wuyuan, with 6 on 16th and 3 on the 18th.

White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata Only seen in fields near Wuyuan, with 2 on 15th and 6 the following day.

Slaty Bunting Emberiza siemsseni (Near-threatened) Only seen along the lower level track at Laba He, with 2 on 26th and 5 the following day.

Godlewski’s Bunting Emberiza godlewskii Singles above Rilong and at the Jiejin Pass both on 24th.

Meadow Bunting Emberiza cioidesi Single at Dongzhai on 19th and up to 10 in rice paddies below Dongzhai NR on 20th

Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata One in riverside fields Wuyuan on 17th


Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla Two in riverside fields Wuyuan on 17th.

Yellow-browed Bunting Emberiza chrysophrys One in riverside park at Wuyuan on 17th

Yellow-throated Bunting Emberiza elegans Single along the lower level track at Laba He on 27th.

Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala Common in small numbers in riverside fields near Wuyuan with up to 6 daily between 15th and 17th.

Plain Mountain Finch Leucosticte nemoricola At least 6 Jiejin Pass on 24th.

Brandt’s Mountain Finch Leucosticte brandti Loose flock of about 150 near the pass at Balangshan on 22nd and 24th and about 25 Jiejin Pass on 24th.

Dark-breasted Rosefinch Carpodacus nipalensis Single near the tunnel at Balangshan on 23rd.

Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Single heard at Wu Yi Peng on 23rd

Chinese Beautiful Rosefinch Carpodacus pulcherrimus Flock of about 6 including two males below Jiejin Pass on 24th.

Pink-rumped Rosefinch* Carpodacus eos Small groups totalling about 20 Jiejin Pass on 24th.

Vinaceous Rosefinch Carpodacus vinaceus A male and two females in upper elevation bamboo at Laba He on 26th.

White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus thura A female seen perched on top of tall pine in forest above Rilong on 24th.

Red-fronted Rosefinch Carpodacus puniceus Two females at Balangshan Pass on 24th.

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Two in roadside trees below Dongzhai NR on 20th

Oriental/Grey-capped Greenfinch Carduelis sinica At least 2 in flight over rice paddies below Dongzhai NR on 20th

European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Single over rice paddies below Dongzhai NR on 20th

Grey-headed or Beavan’s Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythaca Flock of 5 on track to Wu Yi Peng on 23rd and about 8 along lower level track at Laba He on morning of 27th.

Chinese/Yellow-billed Grosbeak Eophona migratoria Three in small fields near the river at Wuyuan on 17th and a flock of at least 100 over river near Dongzhai on 20th

Collared Grosbeak Mycerobas affinis About 3 together below the tunnel area Balangshan on 22nd.

White-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas camipes Single in forest around the tunnel area at Balangshan on 22nd and heard there on 23rd.

Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans At least 12 in cultivated area of hills near Xiaoqi on 17th, single Dongzhai NR on 20th and single female near Wolong 21st.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Fairly common and widespread in small numbers around villages and towns and in city parks in Chengdu.

Mammals

Pallas’s Squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus Not positively identified but singles of most probably this species at Wuyishan 14th, near Wuyuan 16th and 2 in trees on lower slopes of Laba He on 26th and 27th.

Red Panda Ailurus fulgens Single on the opposite bank of the river near Wolong on 22nd.

Pere David’s / Tibetan Macaque Macaca thibetana Troop of about 25 on lower slopes of Laba He on 26th.

Macaque sp. Troop of at least 10 in trees on far side of the valley below Laba He on 26th and 27th.

Blue Sheep Pseudois nayaur Single female on the hillside above the tunnel area, Balangshan on 22nd and 23rd.

Wild Boar Sus scrofa Single large male on the hillside above the tunnel area, Balangshan on morning of 22nd.

Sambar Deer Cervus unicolor Three on forested hillside below Laba He on 26th (seen from opposite side of the valley) and at least 8 in lower level forest at Laba He the following morning.