Qinghai province, well-known for its alpine landscapes and natural beauty, offers a treasure trove of avian species and serene environments. With its diverse ecosystems ranging from towering mountains to expansive wetlands, this region serves as a vital stopover for migratory and regional birds. In other words, this is a perfect place for birdwatchers or nature enthusiasts to attain an unforgettable Qinghai birding experience.
This article portrays four must-visit locations that showcase the best of Qinghai’s avian treasures. Let’s uncover them!
1. Dongxia Forest Park: Located in the eastern part of Qinghai, this forest park is an ideal place to target both common and rare bird species. The lush green forests and rich biodiversity attract a variety of warblers, woodpeckers, and even the striking Golden Pheasant.
Some exciting species to witness here – Crested Tit Warbler, Siberian Rubythroat, Elliot’s Laughingthrush, Przewalski’s Nuthatch, etc. Visitors can even trek through the dense forest to enjoy the sounds of nature while capturing the beauty of Daurian Jackdaw, Common Rosefinch, Grey-capped Greenfinch, White-throated Redstart, Slaty-backed Flycatcher, and other birds.
2. Huzhu Beishan Mountains: This captivating mountain range, located northeast of Xining offers a rugged and pristine birdwatching experience. The topography comprises forests, meadows, and rocky towering peaks, the perfect place for high-altitude species to thrive.
In the lower forest area, travelers can come across some amazing birds like Crested Tit Warbler, Pink-rumped Rosefinch, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Grey-headed Bullfinch, Goldcrest, etc. On the other hand, hiking the mountain cliff they can spot birds like Wallcreeper, and Eurasian Eagle, which will make their day. Further, they can witness endemic creatures like Blue Eared Pheasant around the forest line, making the area a must-visit location for birders.
3. Qinghai Lake: Qinghai Lake is one of the prime destinations to explore, especially if the individual is a nature lover and passionate about avian creatures. Being the largest saltwater lake in China, the location attracts an incredible variety of migratory birds.
Some popular ones are the bar-headed Goose, Little Grebe, Northern Pintail, Ferruginous Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Whooper Swan, Ruddy Shelduck, Eurasian Wigeon, etc. This combination of crystal-clear waters and snow-capped mountains creates a serene habitat for these colorful birds.
4. Rubber Mountain: Another remarkable birdwatching destination of Qinghai is the Rubber Mountain, also known as Daban Mountain. While heading to the Tibetan Plateau, travelers encounter this mountainous area covered with green grasslands and rocky outcrops. This combination of shrubs and meadows is the perfect habitat for Pink-tailed Bunting species. Likewise, other exciting birds they can observe here are the Saker Falcon, Rufous-necked Snowfinch, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Tibetan Partridge, Himalayan Griffon, etc.
Conclusion
Qinghai captivates its visitors with breathtaking landscapes and an abundance of natural wonders. However, its beauty is not just confined to this. Its diverse and rewarding birding experiences and opportunity to explore a wide variety of habitats make the place a perfect destination for birding enthusiasts.
Many tour organizers, like Alpine Birding in China, offer specialized birdwatching trips that cater to both novice and experienced birders. These guided excursions are curated to deliver a top-notch Qinghai birding experience.
Author: Shu Jen
Shu is a nature lover. Her blogs contain topics related to birds, mountains, sea, river, forest. She has over 6years of experience in writing blogs. She loves to travel and explore new places.
