🐦10.13 Birding Daily: Migration Season at Huanhuaxi Full of “Monsters” and Unexpected Encounters

Migration season turns Huanhuaxi into a stage of rare “monsters.” I went to check the famous ones—Tiger Thrush, Orange-headed Thrush, and Eye-browed Thrush—but none showed up. Still, Brown-tailed Flycatcher, Ferruginous Flycatcher, and Verditer Flycatcher made the trip worthwhile. A Crested Goshawk also appeared from time to time, and local photographers each captured stunning shots in their own styles.

Near the bathhouse at the foot of Wanshu Hill, two Rufous-bellied Niltavas were locked in a fierce face-off. Just before packing up, an Australian birder with a camera and binoculars stopped to chat. He has been in Chengdu for three months on business and already added over a hundred species to his life list. He said he hopes to join us for birding next time he returns.

Looking forward to every time I visit this birding hotspot!