2005
WEST CHINA PHEASANT TOUR
Sichuan (Szechuan) Province
Wolong Panda Reserve/Jiuzhaigou Reserve
Tibetan Grasslands
6 - 30 May
Here's the tour you've been waiting for--an opportunity to see some of West China's fabulous pheasants, babblers and rosefinches, without the rigors and discomforts of camping and trekking! With our 3 expeditions, 10 tours and lots of exploratory travel, totaling over 1 year of birding experience in Sichuan (Szechuan), we've worked out an itinerary for a great birding tour in one of the richest provinces in China. We expect Black-necked Crane, 3-5 species of partridges, 7-8 pheasants, Wood Snipe, Snow Pigeon, Tibetan Lark, White-tailed Rubythroat, Firethroat, Grandala, Chestnut and White-backed Thrushes, Chinese Babax, 6-9 laughingthrushes, 4-6 fulvettas, 3 parrotbills, 4 or 5 bush-warblers, 10-12 Phylloscopus warblers, White-browed and Crested Tit-Warblers, Tibetan Ground-Tit (Hume's Ground-Jay or Groundpecker), 13 or 14 tits, 8-10 rosefinches, Black-winged Snowfinch, etc., etc. for a total of about 250 species. With luck, we might find Saker Falcon, Chinese Grouse, Chinese Grey Shrike, Rufous headed Robin, Wallcreeper, Slaty Bunting, Sichuan Jay, etc. We'll see 20-23 of mainland China's 45 endemic species.
Our birding will center on two nature reserves on the eastern slopes of the Tibetan Plateau in western Sichuan Province in West China, in the range of mountains that reaches up from the fertile Sichuan Basin to the lofty and spectacular peaks of the Plateau. The tour is planned to be during the spring migration and early breeding season so most birds will be singing and easier to locate. It also happens to be the prime flowering time for many species of rhododendrons. The tree-sized (up to 12 meters--40 ft., high) rhododendrons covered with huge pink blossoms are spectacular indeed; a hillside covered with different species of rhododendrons in flower is truly out of this world. 1994 participant Dr. Lynn Hamilton exclaimed, "The scenery is the most spectacular of any tour I've ever been on."
We'll also have several days right up on the NE corner of the Tibetan Plateau in Roergai County, birding the grasslands of NW Sichuan Province, amidst the rugged Tibetan horsemen and their yak herds. Yak-hide tents and prayer flags are frequent in this raw and beautiful landscape.
Sichuan is the size of France and is one of China's largest and richest provinces. Its bird list of over 600 species is half of China's total and includes 33 of mainland China's 45 endemic species--a whopping 73%. Those of you who are waiting for a complete China tour in 3 weeks should realize that China is the size of the USA and that even covering all the varied life zones of Sichuan in 3 weeks is impossible. There are practically no good birding areas close to cities with airports in the whole of China, so that each separate birding destination requires a long road trip to reach it (i.e., 4 hours to 2 days of driving). Thus a land-based tour of one province is much more practical than skipping around the country. Sichuan is right at the heart of the country and offers the best birding possible in China today.
Anyone in fairly good physical shape could take this trip in stride. Our birding will range from 450 4,200 meters (1,500-14,000 ft.), mostly by road, some by forest trail. Our only steep climbs will be done very slowly and will be in the 1,800-2,700 meters (6,000-9,000 ft.) range. Most of our higher altitude (over 2,700 m.--9,000 ft.) birding will be on or near roads. Most roads are now paved. There are some long drives, but our vehicles (Toyota Land Cruisers, a Mitsubishi bus or similar) are comfortable and in good shape. Our accommodations will be first class in Chengdu, and mostly basic elsewhere. Food will be adequate to good, and occasionally excellent. There will be rain, snow, mist, fog, cold and mud. There will also be some of the most magnificent scenery on earth. 1988 participant Harriet Davidson says: "It's a tough trip, but not too tough and well worth it!" Join us for the adventure of a lifetime!
THE LEADER
BEN KING, president of KingBird Tours, has
led 123 tours in Asia and is one of the most experienced bird-tour leaders on
that continent. He has observed 2,063 species of birds in Asia. He has written
A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia and Checklist
of the Birds of Eurasia and is researching A Field Guide to
the Birds of China. He has seen more species of China's birds than
any other ornithologist (all but about 11 of the more than 1,220 species--99%
of the fauna). He has spent three years birding in China (with over a year in
Sichuan), including leading our 3 expeditions to four panda reserves in Sichuan
in 1984-1986, as well as our 10 birding tours from 1987 to 2002 in Sichuan.
He is thoroughly familiar with all the birds to be encountered, having seen
all but one of the 600+ species recorded in Sichuan. His knowledge of the birds,
their habits and where they are found assures you of the best possible birding
experience in China.
THE ITINERARY
| 6 May, Friday | Depart USA |
| 7 May, Saturday | Arrive Hong Kong. Overnight Regal Airport Hotel. |
| 8 May, Sunday | Fly Hong Kong/Chengdu via Dragonair, KA820(1045/1325). Begin tour. |
| 9-28 May | On tour. |
| 29 May, Sunday | Fly Chengdu/Hong Kong via Dragonair, KA821(1420/1640). Overnight Regal Airport Hotel. |
| 30 May, Monday | Fly Hong Kong/USA, arriving the same day because of crossing the International Dateline. |
THE BIRDING SITES
WOLONG PANDA RESERVE (9-16 May) is a spectacularly rugged mountain forested area with steep slopes and dense bamboo. It is situated in central western Sichuan, WNW of Chengdu (Sichuan Province's capital city) and is the largest of China's 11 panda reserves. Most of our birding will be along a road that bisects the reserve from about 1,200-4,200 meters (4,000 to 14,000 ft.). We should see about 120 species of birds during our stay, among them some very spectacular creatures. We have a good chance of seeing Snow Partridge, Tibetan Snowcock, Tibetan Partridge, the exquisite Temminck's Tragopan, Chinese Monal, and Golden Pheasant. With luck, we might see a Chestnut-throated Partridge, Koklas Pheasant or White Eared Pheasant. Other species we're likely to see are: Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Wood Snipe, Brown Dipper, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Firethroat, Indian Blue Robin, White browed Bush-Robin, White-bellied Redstart, the unbelievably beautiful Grandala, Plain-backed, Chestnut and White-backed Thrushes, Chinese Babax, Barred, Giant, Spotted and Elliott's Laughingthrushes, Streak-throated Fulvetta, Great and Three-toed Parrotbills, Chestnut-headed Tesia, 3 or 4 bush-warblers, 8 or 9 Phylloscopus warblers (including Buff-throated, Yellow-streaked, Lemon-rumped, Chinese, and Large-billed), Slaty-blue Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Black-browed and Fire-capped Tits, Rufous vented and Yellow-bellied Tits, Plain and Black-headed Mountain-Finches, Beautiful, White-browed, and Red-fronted Rosefinches, Grey-headed Bullfinch, and Red-billed and Yellow-billed Choughs. We might find a Crimson-breasted, White-backed or Bay Woodpecker, Golden Bush-Robin,Black-faced Laughingthrush, Golden Fulvetta, Spectacled Parrotbill, or Collared Grosbeak. The chance of seeing a wild panda is almost nil.
ROERGAI COUNTY (18-21 May) is situated on the northeastern corner of the Tibetan Plateau in the northernmost point of Sichuan. Extensive grasslands at almost 12,000 ft. (3,600 m.) cover the valleys nestled amidst snow-capped mountains. The Black-necked Crane, Asia's rarest and most endangered crane, nests here and we should see some (we've seen 8-65 on our various visits). Also likely are Red crested and Ferruginous Pochards, Upland Buzzard, Great Gull, Little Owl, Tibetan Lark, Yellow-hooded Wagtail, Hodgson's Redstart, White-browed Tit-Warbler, Tibetan Ground-Tit (Hume's Ground-Jay or Groundpecker), Black-winged Snowfinch, and Azure-winged Magpie. With a little luck we might see a Monk Vulture, Saker Falcon, Tibetan Partridge, Blyth's Pipit, Chinese Grey Shrike, Songar Tit, Pine Bunting, or Pink-tailed Rosefinch. There seem always to be 1 or 2 unusual migrants here, such as Pallas's Fish-Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Amur Falcon, etc. It's impossible to guess what might occur next. Enroute to Roergai we may find Rufous-bellied Woodpecker and Pink-bellied Rosefinch.
HUANGLUNGSI (21/22 May) is a scenic reserve NE of Sungpan in north central Sichuan. Perched at 10,300 ft. (3,100 meters), it is reached by a road that crosses a 13,000 ft. (3,900 m.) pass, providing us with some fine high altitude scrub and alpine birding. We expect Tibetan Snowcock, Common Pheasant, Hill and Snow Pigeons, White-tailed and Siberian Rubythroats, Grandala, White backed Thrush, Chinese Fulvetta, Tickell's Leaf-Warbler, Crested Tit-Warbler, White-browed Tit, and White-cheeked Nuthatch. Possible are: Tibetan Partridge and Streaked Rosefinch. The drive from Huanglungsi to Jiuzhaigou is good for Plain Laughingthrush, Daurian Jackdaw, and Carrion Crow.
THE JIUZHAIGOU ("JHU-JAI-GO") RESERVE (22-27 May) is considered one of the most beautiful places in China with its startlingly blue lakes and waterfalls. The fauna of this north central Sichuan reserve is different from Wolong and we'll add some fine birds. Likely are: Blood Pheasant, Blue Eared Pheasant, Three-toed Woodpecker, White-throated Dipper, Maroon-backed Accentor, White-throated Redstart, Snowy-cheeked and Barred Laughingthrushes, Spectacled Fulvetta, White-collared Yuhina, White-necklaced and Rusty-breasted Tits, Snowy-browed Nuthatch, Tibetan Serin, Three-banded Rosefinch, and White-winged Grosbeak. More difficult are: Chinese Grouse, Ural Owl, Black Woodpecker, Rufous-headed Robin, Chinese Thrush, Spot-breasted and Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babblers, Moustached Laughingthrush, Ferruginous Flycatcher, Wallcreeper, Slaty Bunting, Collared Grosbeak, and Sichuan Jay.
On the drive back to Chengdu, (27/28 May), we have a chance
at such birds as Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Forest Wagtail, Brown-rumped Minivet,
Collared Finchbill, Tiger Shrike, Daurian Redstart, Eurasian Blackbird, Rufous-capped
Babbler, White-browed Laughingthrush, White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Dusky Fulvetta,
Black-headed Sibia, Black-chinned Yuhina, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Rufous-faced
Warbler, Yellow-rumped Flycatcher, Russet Sparrow, Chestnut-lined Bunting, Black-faced
Bunting, Grey-capped Greenfinch, Red-billed Starling, etc.
COSTS & CONDITIONS
Land
*Air
Total
Single Supplement
From Hong Kong
$5,870
$ 648
$6,518
$765
From West Coast
$5,870
$1,451
$7,321
$765
*AIR FARE: Current Northwest Airlines fare roundtrip West Coast to Hong Kong is about $803. Many other airlines travel to Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific often offers excellent fares. It's best to purchase your tickets in Fall 2004 in order to get the flights and price you want as early May is a particularly heavy travel time in eastern Asia. You may pay more if you wait until after Thanksgiving. Note that it may be cheaper to fly all the way to Hong Kong from your hometown on one airline.
LAND PRICE/NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Land price is based on a minimum of
6 people. If there are fewer than 6, a small-party supplement will be charged.
The maximum number of participants will be 10.
LAND PRICE INCLUDES: Land price includes all ground transportation, transfers, double occupancy hotel rooms, all meals (except Hong Kong), guides, tips, fees, and airport taxes in China. NOT INCLUDED are airport taxes in Hong Kong, passports, visas, excess baggage charges, forwarding of baggage, souvenirs, laundry, personal tips, alcoholic beverages, room service charges, items not on menu of included meals, personal items, fees for vaccinations, sightseeing not included in itinerary, insurance of any kind, telephone calls, cable or telex charges, meals in Hong Kong, medical examinations or treatment, and meal or other charges incurred which are not part of the itinerary (caused by any unforeseen delay beyond our control).
LAND RATES: All prices are based on tariffs in effect for this trip and are likely to remain the same (except for any necessary small-party supplement). If there are price changes, they will be passed along to tour members.
KingBird Tours' planning, promotional and operating costs are included in all tour rates.
TRANSPORTATION: Air transportation from USA to Hong Kong and return, and Hong Kong to Chengdu and return based on rates in effect on 1 December 2003. Surface transportation is normally by Toyota Land Cruiser (or similar) or Mitsubishi bus.
ACCOMMODATION: Based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room. Single rooms will be available except for 6 nights at Wolong Panda Reserve. We'll supply roommates if possible, but if none is available, the single supplement will be charged. Good quality hotel with private bath will be supplied in Chengdu. Accommodation will be primitive at the Wolong Panda Reserve and basic elsewhere.
ITINERARY: KingBird Tours reserves the right to make any necessary changes in the itinerary. Note that our Chinese hosts may make alterations in the itinerary that are beyond the control of KingBird Tours.
MEALS: All meals will be provided (except Hong Kong), i.e., breakfast, table d'hote lunch and dinner.
TOUR ESCORT: The leader of your tour and President of KingBird Tours, Ben King, will be with you during the entire tour from the time you reach Chengdu until your departure from Chengdu. Our Chinese hosts will have an interpreter with the group at all times to assist however he or she may.
TAXES AND GRATUITIES: All local government taxes are included in the tour price. Tipping is illegal in China. ONLY books, pamphlets, or other non-political written material may be given. Consult with your trip leader if you wish to reward any of the Chinese who assist us.
LOCAL FEES: All local fees are included in the tour price.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH: All applicants should be in good health and in good physical condition. Our walking will not be rigorous, but difficulties may be encountered because of high altitude and steep terrain. We will move very slowly in high or steep areas. We'll be birding at altitudes up to 4,200 meters (14,000 ft.). We'll be spending an entire week above 3,300 m. (11,000 ft.)--note however that we have quite an adequate acclimatization period prior to reaching that altitude. If in doubt about your ability to manage high altitudes, consult your physician. The trip leader has the right to disqualify anyone at any time during the trip if he believes it is medically necessary. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.
BAGGAGE: International flight baggage allowance from USA to Hong Kong is two pieces with a maximum total dimension (length, width, height of both pieces added up) of 106 inches. Each bag may weigh up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds). However, internal flights in China allow a maximum of 20 kg. (44 lbs.). They are likely to weigh your luggage carefully but are less zealous with groups and hand baggage. You will be responsible for any excess baggage charges. The rates are inexpensive, so don't worry about it. You are allowed only one carry-on bag on all flights originating in Hong Kong. However, there is currently no problem with 2 hand-carries in China. Air carrier's liability for baggage loss is limited and therefore baggage insurance is recommended and available at nominal rates. N.B., most checked luggage is now X-rayed at Hong Kong and some airports in China. Keep film either in a lead-lined bag or in your hand-carry bag and take it out to avoid X-rays.
SMOKING RULES:
(1) NO smoking in vehicles.
(2) NO smoking at meal tables.
(3) NO smoking in bedrooms if your roommate does not smoke.
(4) The smoker is expected to see that his smoke does not move toward other tour members at all times.
(5) Anyone smoking will be last in line on single file paths or trails.
KingBird Tours
P.O. Box 196
Planetarium Station
New York, NY 10024
Telephone: 1 (212) 866-7923
FAX: 1 (212) 866-4225
Email:kingbirdtours@earthlink.net