Return from China

It's been that time of the year where I head off overseas. Usually I've been able to write about my travels on the way, but this year I've been in China for the last 18 days. No blogs, no facebook for this rather bizarre country that embraces capitalism [and unsustainable development] yet clings on to its communist ideals. A truly fascinating country, full of extremes, and glad I've been able to see the place for myself. But I'll need to go back at some stage to see some real quality birds.

Karen and I travelled around, staying in 4 places - Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an and Guilin. Terracotta Warriors, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and The Great Wall visited, as well as the ultra modern stuff in Shanghai and karst scenery in Guilin, there was also time for some birding. 5 days or so all in all - many thanks to Terry T, Mark M and Dev who made this happen as well as Philip He and Jiawei Wu for helping me out around Yangxian and Zhuque (and to Karen who is always tolerant). More comprehensive stuff to come, but here are a few bits and bobs: -

Crested Ibis, Yangxian

Reed Parrotbill, Hengshui

Black-tailed Gull, Nanhui

Vinaceous Rosefinch, Zhuque Forest Park

White-collared Yuhina, Zhuque Forest Park

And also, some of that general tourist stuff wasn't bad either: -

Meanwhile in Rotherhithe, she is still about and has new wings that have been grown since early August.


female Long-tailed Duck, Rotherhithe 20th August 2013

Also had this excessively ringed Lesser Black-backed Gull (which I believe is from The Netherlands) at Crossness yesterday morning: -

Lesser Black-backed Gull, Crossness 20th August 2013