Birding With the Company of Black Kites
- joycehuo929
- Jun 28, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 28
June 28th, 2024 @ Xibaiyanggou Scenic Area Part 1
My alarm rang at 6:30 AM, and I got on the bus headed to Xibaiyanggou Scenic Area at 7:00 AM. It was about an hour and a half drive, thus I started my trip at 8:30 AM. Xibaiyanggou was a valley, and the moment I stepped into it, I was welcomed by more than twenty Black Kites soaring and stopping along the fences.
As I was observing the Black Kites, I found a marmot standing under the trees.
Next, I advanced deeper into the valley, aiming to find tits, warblers, wagtails, and starlings.
As I walked, I saw several Himalayan Griffons, Eurasian Goshawks, and Booted Eagle soar over the sky into the mountains.
As time progressed, the sunlight was stronger and stronger, but I found more birds on the electric poles around the road, adding species to my life list. Specifically, I recorded a Coal Tit with a worm in its mouth, flying back to its nest and feeding its young. I then saw a Northern Wheateater stand on the electric pole, wagging its tail, a Common Rosefinch hiding in the trees, and a Black-capped Redstart jumping on the tree branches.
Then, a Mistle Thrush flew to the pole and stood there for 5 minutes, granting me a perfect opportunity to take pictures of it! After the Mistel Thrush flew away, I saw a bright speck of orange land on the pole. It was a Fire-fronted Serin!
This ended my trip in the Xibaiyanggou Valley in the morning, and in the afternoon, I plan to head deeper into the forest.
A loud chirping sound on the other side of the road caught my attention. A Black-throated Accentor was standing on the treetop and chirping. I was delighted to catch a picture with his beak open.
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