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.
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| 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…!
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| 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.
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| Yellow-bellied Tit |
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| 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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