10 June 2010
Pearl Sholes (China)
This impressive multi-layered waterfall is just one of many, many visual attractions in Jiuzhaigou National Park in northern Sichuan, one of China's most popular parks due to a myriad of strangely-colored lakes, and dramatic wooded valleys, dotted with colorful Tibetan villages. OK so what about the birds. The star among them is the little known as devilishly difficult to see Rufous-headed Robin, although such rarities as Sichuan Jay, and Blue Eared-Pheasant also reside in this magical valley. Along with abundant Chinese Leaf-Warblers that "rattle" from the treetops, and Chinese Song Thrushes whose melancholy song can be heard at dawn echoing from the tall spruce trees. Mixed flocks can be impressive here holding the endemic Sooty and Pere David's Tits, and even the Snowy-browed Nuthatch too.
10 June 2010
Valley of Robins, Pearl Sholes (China)
As you emerge from the very local breeding grounds of the rare and extremely shy Rufous-headed Robin, this is the sight that takes your breath away: the spectacular Pearl Sholes Falls, just one of the Jiuzhaigou National Park's many scenic attractions.
10 June 2010
The Top of the Pearl (China)
You have seen the impressive front side of Pearl Sholes Falls from Jiuzhaigou National Park in my other photos, although here is a view from the top, where White-throated Dippers dive into the rushing waters and White-crowned Forktails creep around the rocky edges.
October 2006
Blue Mountains (Australia)
October 2006
Duck Creek Road (Australia)
The sclorophyl forest along this famous birding road holds such avian treasures as Red-browed Treecreeper and Spotted Quail-Thrush, along with other thrilling birds like the common Spotted Pardalote, Bell Miner, Tawny Frogmouth, and also one of Australia's most famous mammals, the Koala.
October 2006
Lamington Rainforest (Australia)
This beautifully rich rainforest just a short drive from Brisbane, is home to some fabled Australian birds. Such cripplers as Albert's Lyrebird stalks this rainforest, along with Paradise Riflebirds, glowing Regent Bowerbirds, and the deafening cries of Eastern Whipbirds regularly emanate from the forest floor. One of the best rainforests on the continent.
October 2006
"Crane Swamp", Australia
This is a magical place to be at dawn or dusk when literally hundreds of Brolgas and Sarus Cranes dot this marsh. At such times they can be vocal and even be seen dancing on the fringe of the swamp. A truly magical scene at first light, when the light combines to make it a truly must-see venue.
5 October 2009
Lark Country: Wakkerstroom, South Africa
The rolling hills and grasslands of Wakkerstroom are a key area for highland specialties in Zululand in South Africa. In one afternoon we ran into Southern Bald Ibis, a number of Blue Korhaans, a Yellow-breasted Pipit, and drive right up to the rare Rudd's Lark.
5 October 2009
Lark Highway: Wakkerstroom, South Africa
Wakkerstrom is a key area on any birding trip that covers the eastern side of South Africa. In just a day and a half here we ran into several Yellow-breasted Pipits, Eastern Clapper Larks, a pair of Pink-billed Larks, the rare Rudd's Lark, Eastern Long-billed Larks, multiple Buff-streaked Chats, Barrow's and Blue Korhaans, a large group of Southern Bald Ibis, many Grey-crowned Cranes, and an African Rail. On top of all of that this quaint town with the English country feel about it has some superb restaurants one of which was decked out with fantastic artwork from a number of local artists.
14 October 2009
Drakensberg Country: Sani Pass, South Africa
The dramatic country that greets you in the Sani Pass that leads spectacularly up into the neighboring country of Lesotho, is a superb birding site. At the base of the pass Bush Blackcaps are possible (they were unfortunately not yet in when we visited), and as we climbed up to the pass we came across a majestic Lammergeier gliding overhead, a small flock of Drakensgerg Siskins feeding on a craggy hillside, and then just before the pass, a pair of Drakensberg Rockjumpers were found hopping around the boulders behind the Sani Top Chalet, the self-proclaimed "highest Pub in Africa".
14 October 2009
Higjland Drinks and Birds in Africa: Lesotho
As we climbed up to the Sani Pass, we passed through Lesotho immigration and crossed from South Africa into neighbouring Lesotho. Just across the border is the famous Sani Top Chalet, the highest pub in Africa. The back veranda of the pub provides great food and great birding, we watched a pair of Drakensberg Rockjumpers bounding around behind the pub, a Sentinel Rock-Thrush standing to attention on the roofs of the round Lesothan houses, and observed Drakensberg Siskins hopping around on rocks behind the chalet. Cape Buntings sang from boulders alongside the pub, while deeper into Lesotho we found the rare endemic Mountain Pipit performing display flights, and found a small group of Southern Grey Tits.
1 October 2009
Rockjumper Country III: Swartberg-Pass, South Africa
More dramatic mountain scenes from the Western Cape. The lower stretches below the pass are a good spot for Protea Seedeater (Canary), and the furtive Victorin's Scrub-Warbler, while at the top Cape Rockjumpers and Ground Woodpeckers can be found.