China Yunnan Birding Tours in January

In January, Yunnan is a winter haven for many bird species. Some notable birds to watch include:

• Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis)
• Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus)
• Himalayan Bluetail (Tarsiger rufilatus)
• Fire-tailed Myzornis (Myzornis pyrrhoura)
• Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae)
• Yunnan Nuthatch (Sitta yunnanensis)
• Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus)
• Rufous-bellied Niltava (Niltava sundara)
• White-capped Redstart (Phoenicurus leucocephalus)
• Chestnut-headed Tesia (Cettia castaneocoronata)
• Slaty-backed Forktail (Enicurus schistaceus)
• Red-tailed Minla (Minla ignotincta)
• Collared Myna (Acridotheres albocinctus)
• Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum melanoxanthum)
• Silver-eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris)
• Spot-breasted Parrotbill (Paradoxornis guttaticollis)
• Brown-winged Parrotbill (Paradoxornis brunneus)
• Red-flanked Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus)
• Yellow-cheeked Tit (Machlolophus spilonotus)
• Green-backed Tit (Parus monticolus)
• Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops)

• 

  Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus)

Where to Take Birdwatching in Yunnan in January

Kunming

• Cuihu Park (Green Lake Park)
• Dianchi Lake
• Xishan Forest Park

Qujing

• Nianhu Lake Nature Reserve
• Daqiao Township

Yuxi

• Fuxian Lake
• Yuxi Wetland Park

Baoshan

• Gaoligongshan Nature Reserve
• Baoshan Birding Areas

Lijiang

• Lashihai Lake
• Lijiang Ancient Town

Puer

• XiaoAoZi Coffee Farm
• Zhenkang Nansan Hongyan Smart Coffee Plantation

Zhaotong

• Dashanbao Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve

Dehong

• Yingjiang County Birdwatching Sites
• Tengchong Volcanic Park

Nujiang

• Nujiang Valley
• Gaoligongshan Nature Reserve

Dali

• Erhai Lake
• Cangshan Mountain

Honghe

• Yuanyang Rice Terraces
• Jianshui Birding Areas

Wenshan

• Puzhehei Scenic Area
• Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture

Xishuangbanna

• Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
• Menglun Nature Reserve

Chuxiong

• Zixi Mountain
• Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture

Diqing

• Shangri-La
• Pudacuo National Park

Lincang

• Tea Plantation Birdwatching Areas
• Lincang Birding Trails

Birdwatching Travel Tips in Yunnan in January

Preparation

• Equipment: Bring binoculars, a spotting scope, a camera with a telephoto lens, and a field guide for bird identification.
• Clothing: Wear warm clothing, as January can be chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. Dress in layers to adjust to temperature changes throughout the day.
• Insect Repellent: Use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
• Weather Protection: Carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun.

Travel Tips

• Local Guides: Hiring a local birding guide can enhance the experience by providing expert knowledge and navigating the best birdwatching spots.
• Timing: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for birdwatching when birds are most active.
• Respect Wildlife: Maintain a respectful distance from birds to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors.
• Accommodation: Choose accommodations close to birdwatching sites for convenient access. Many reserves and parks have nearby lodges or guesthouses.

By following these tips and visiting the recommended locations, birdwatchers can have a rewarding and enjoyable experience exploring Yunnan’s rich avian diversity in January.