Nearing the End

Another morning and another pine forest, this one just south of Jiuzhaigou. Again, we had brief views of Chinese Grouse for some of the group despite several more hours waiting and searching in great habitat. 

A Spotted Bush-warbler showed very well down to a metre or two, and a Prwzevalski’s Nuthatch was also seen, along with Chinese Fulvetta, White-bellied Redstart, Long-tailed Thrush and other more regular birds. 

Chinese Fulvetta

But by 10am we had to leave and set out on the long drive north-east towards Shanxi Province arriving at our hotel later in the evening. 

Scenery on way to the Shaanxi

View through the Coach Window

All we saw on the drive were lots of Blue Rock-thrushes, Russet Sparrow, Brown Shrike, Brown-breasted Bulbul, Vinous-throated Parrotbill and White-browed Laughingthrush during our brief rest stops. However, the scenery was truly spectacular as we drove for several hours through a scenic river valley surrounded by tall peaks and we were aware of how far off the regular tourist/birding circuit we had ventured. How exciting!