24th June to 11th July 2009 Sichuan Report
Reported by Tang Jun
All photos of the report are made by Tang Jun during the trip
Date: 24th June to 11th July
Route: Chengdu; Wawu Mountain; Laba He NR; Xinduqiao; Balang Mountain; Mengbi Forest at Marerkhang; Ruoergai Grassland and Baxi Forest;
Participants: Tang Jun; Malcolm Hunter; Aram Calhoun; William Glanz; Edward Kellogg all from US
Mac send me the first email mentioned they will attendant a meeting in Beijing in July 2009 and would like to have a tour looking for wild mammals and birds in Qinling NR in Shanxi Province before the meeting. Due to June is not the good time for mammals and thus I suggest they mainly do a birding tour in Sichuan plus the possible for the mammals as I know it is possible to see what they want in some area in Sichuan.
Such as at Laba He NR for Tarkins, Monkeys, Liperod Cats, Sambar deer and Red Pandas at Wawu Mountain and Tibetan foxes plus White-Lipped Deer at Ruoergai.
And Edward would like to see the Ibisbill in this season and Aram is target for the family of Parrotbill, Sichuan Jay and the Wallcreeper.
So at last we make out the itinerary as follow and we had an excellent trip at last.
I still remember when I waiting at the airport for them to pick up the bags, Zip comes to the exit gate to look for me as they thinking I should hole a name board. Sorry everybody, as be a professional guide and I do not need hold a board like the normal guide. Definitely I can recognize you as you are birdwatchers and have the different appearance of the normal tourists.
After a short greetings at the airport we jump into the big TOYOTA landcruiser and we had a nice talk on the way hotel. I can feel we will have a pleasant trip and the same time, I know this will be a tough trip as all of them look very strong. That time I am thinking they will be the crazy birders. But anway, I will be very happy if can guide birders like this as hard work means good birds. And the end is the same as I had a lifer during the trip and two new words as well: Salamanders and Broccoli.
Ok, here is the itinerary I just easy copy from the document I send to the group.
I just put some information and some photos follow the days.
24th June they arrival at Chengdu from US directly overstop at Shjanghai.
Day 1 June 25 one day at Chengdu for birding and visit
One day city birding include Baihua Tan park and the Panda Centre,o/n Shulan Hotel
This is a good park just 2 minutes walk from the hotel and about 1-2 hours can manage to see about 15-20 birds. We did it.
Day 2 June 26 drive to Wawu
Last birding at Chengdu and drive to 240km to Wawu Mountain and birding en route, we will stay at Gongtong Hotel with altitude 1900m.
Day 3-5 June 27-29 Wawu birding
One or two full day at the summit area with altitude is 3000m and one day at the slope area, stay at the same hotel
Here Mac and Aram found the Salamanders in the jar with Chinese Fire Water in the restaurant and at last they told me that they are doing the researching on the Salamander.
Day 6 June 30 drive to Labahe NR
Last birding then drive 240km to Labahe NR, stay at Labahe Hotel
Day 7 July 1 Labahe NR
Full day up to the forest for birds and animals, stay at the same hotel
This is an excellent day! As we can not drive our own car up into the forest and the park refuse to send us their car to drive us up before 8 am. So we decided to walk up and departure at 5am. I made the breakfast in my room and then we are ready to walk up. 40minutes later, we get to the place of the Temminck’s Tragopan place, I am still wondering if we get here by foot and maybe disturb and run away, a male jump up from the grassland and stopped at a stone. Everybody suddenly standing there quiet and enjoying the amazing colour.
After the Tragopan, we keep walking up and we saw many good staff include about 30 Tarkins and Sambar deer and Lady AM and other birds.
We made a round trip by foot and total about 12km. Good walk and birds. Like Mac said that good countity and quality.
Day 8 July 2 drive to the Ibisbill place 200km to the west
Early start and get to the Ibisbill place named Xinduqiao earlier. Saty at simple hotel/guesthouse. We will look for the Ibisbill rest of the day.
We saw the bird and he just sitting in the middle of the island.
Day 9 July 3 After the Ibisbill then drive to Danba
After birding at Xinduqiao area then drive to Danba county for overnight
The first 30km of the trip is terrible and the roads is too bad, but how can stip our good 4WD TOYOTA? The trip before arrival at Danba, we are travelling along the very beautiful valley with typical Tibet landscape and culture.
Day 10 July 4 drive to Rilong
Short drive to Rilong town and some afternoon birding at Balang Mountain
Day 11 July 5 Full day at Balang Mountain stay at the same hotel
We spent two full days at the summits area and manage to see the Aram’s exciting Wall Creeper and other good birds such as the Snow Cock and Snow Partridge.
Day 12 July 6 last morning birding at Balang again if necessary then drive 200km to Marerkhang stay at Jiarong International Hotel
Day 13 July 7 Mengbi Forest full day stay at the same hotel
Day 14 July 8 Drive 300km to Ruoergai birding en route stay at Ruoergai Grand Hotel
Day 15 July 9 Full day around Ruoergai
I moved this night to Chuan Zhu Si for overnight, as I do want bring them to Gong Gang Ling Forest before we drive back to Chengdu. At last means my decision is very right as the next morning we had a very good view of Chinese Grouse at the forest and took a nice walk around and see other birds.
Day 16 July 10 Long day drive back to Chengdu
When we get back to Chengdu after a long day drive, we spend the night at the bar to celebrate the successful trip. I introduce a local Chinese beer which they think is very good.
Day 17 July 11 fly to Beijing noon time departure 1300/1520 CA421
P.S.
This is not a birding and mammals looking tour, but also a tour with fun.
We did a rafting at Laba He NR and enjoying beers and local drinks everyday of course the different food.
Here thanks again for gift me the book: A Guide to the Mammals of China and your words on the first page.
I will learn more about the Mammals.
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