China Yunnan Birding Tours in August

September in Yunnan offers birdwatchers a diverse range of species due to its varied habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to high-altitude mountains. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the birds to watch, where to go birdwatching, and essential travel tips for a successful birding tour in Yunnan in September.

Birds to Watch in Yunnan in September: Birds List

  1. Migratory Birds:
    • Siberian Rubythroat
    • Yellow-browed Warbler
    • Asian Brown Flycatcher
    • Various Waders
  2. Resident Birds:
    • Yunnan Nuthatch
    • Blue-eared Barbet
    • Lady Amherst’s Pheasant
    • White-eared Sibia
    • Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler
    • Collared Owlet
    • Fire-tailed Sunbird
  3. Specialty and Endemic Birds:
    • Yunnan Parrotbill
    • Giant Nuthatch
    • White-browed Laughingthrush
    • Slaty Bunting
    • Giant Laughingthrush

Where to Take Birdwatching in Yunnan in September

  1. Kunming:
    • Locations: Green Lake Park, Western Hills, Dianchi Lake Wetlands.
    • Target Birds: Waterfowl, urban birds, early migrants.
  2. Qujing:
    • Locations: Tianshengqiao National Forest Park, Luoping County.
    • Target Birds: Forest birds including Laughingthrushes and Parrotbills.
  3. Yuxi:
    • Locations: Fuxian Lake Wetland Park, Xinping County.
    • Target Birds: Waterfowl, raptors around Fuxian Lake.
  4. Baoshan:
    • Locations: Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve, Tengchong.
    • Target Birds: High-altitude species like Yunnan Nuthatch and Fulvous Parrotbill.
  5. Lijiang:
    • Locations: Yulong Snow Mountain, Lashihai Wetland Park.
    • Target Birds: Alpine and forest birds including Blood Pheasant and Nuthatches.
  6. Puer:
    • Locations: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Naban River Reserve.
    • Target Birds: Tropical and montane species in rainforests and riverine habitats.
  7. Zhaotong:
    • Locations: Dashanbao Black-necked Crane National Nature Reserve.
    • Target Birds: Hill and grassland birds including Black-necked Crane.
  8. Dehong:
    • Locations: Yingjiang County, Ruili.
    • Target Birds: Tropical and subtropical species in forested valleys.
  9. Nujiang:
    • Locations: Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve, Bingzhongluo.
    • Target Birds: Endemic and rare species in rugged, mountainous terrain.
  10. Dali:
    • Locations: Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain.
    • Target Birds: Wetland and forest birds including Black-headed Gulls and Warblers.
  11. Honghe:
    • Locations: Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Honghe Hani Rice Terraces.
    • Target Birds: Rice paddies and wetlands attract waterfowl and waders.
  12. Wenshan:
    • Locations: Tongbiguan Nature Reserve, Puzhehei.
    • Target Birds: Karst landscape species and forest birds like Blue Pitta.
  13. Xishuangbanna:
    • Locations: Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden, Dai villages.
    • Target Birds: Tropical and lowland species including Bulbuls and Sunbirds.
  14. Chuxiong:
    • Locations: Lufeng Dinosaur Valley, Wuding County.
    • Target Birds: Steppe and forest-edge species in grasslands and scrub habitats.
  15. Diqing:
    • Locations: Shangri-La, Potatso National Park.
    • Target Birds: Alpine species and montane forest birds like Rosefinches.
  16. Lincang:
    • Locations: Nangunhe Nature Reserve, Lancang River.
    • Target Birds: Lowland and mountainous species including Laughingthrushes.

Birdwatching Travel Tips in Yunnan in September

  • Weather: September weather in Yunnan is generally mild with occasional rain showers. Bring lightweight rain gear and dress in layers.
  • Guides: Hire local birding guides who know the area well and can spot elusive species.
  • Equipment: Essential gear includes binoculars, a field guide, and a camera with a telephoto lens for photography.
  • Altitude: Some areas like Diqing and parts of Lijiang are at high altitudes. Acclimate slowly to prevent altitude sickness.
  • Respect Wildlife: Observe birds from a distance to avoid disturbing them, especially during nesting or feeding times.
  • Accommodations: Stay in birding-friendly accommodations near key birding sites for early morning outings.

Conclusion

September is an excellent month for birdwatching in Yunnan, offering a blend of resident species, early migrants, and unique endemic birds. Plan your birding tour itinerary based on specific birding interests and regions to maximize your birdwatching experience in this biodiverse province of China.