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5 Best Birding Trails and Hotspots in Qinghai
Qinghai birding adventures encompass the most complex trails and hotspots, including the Huzhu Beishan Mountains and Dongxia Forest Park. Discover more.

Are you a birding enthusiast or simply a traveler fond of discovering new avian species? In either case, a Qinghai birding trip will open the door to an incredible world of feathered treasures.

Birdwatchers from around the world are drawn to Qinghai Province, especially to capture the beauty of avian wonders in the diverse landscape. From misty snow-capped mountains to alpine lakes and vast grasslands, this mix of habitats forms a home to both regional and migratory species.

Are you excited to navigate through these trails? Here’s what this trip covers!

1. Huzhu Beishan Mountains: Do you love to explore hidden gems to encounter unique species? The Huzhu Beishan Mountains can be the right place to start your birding adventure. Its lush coniferous and mixed forests attract species like Crested Tit Warbler, Himalayan Bluetail, Chestnut Thrush, Common Rosefinch, Pink-rumped Rosefinch, Grey-headed Bullfinch, Goldcrest, Rufous-breasted Accentor, etc. Besides, you can even spot some common species like White-throated Dipper, White-capped Water Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart, etc., at the bottom of the mountain.

2. Dongxia Forest Park: The Dongxia Forest Park is dominated by evergreen conifer woods that provide great habitats for nuthatches, warblers, tits, etc. Some exciting birds to locate here are the Crested Tit Warbler, White-browed Tit Warbler, Gansu Leaf Warbler, Chinese Nuthatch, Przewalski's Nuthatch, Elliot's Laughingthrush, etc. The dense forest is also home to Daurian Jackdaw, Rook, Kessler's Thrush, Chestnut Thrush, Common Rosefinch, Chinese White-browed Rosefinch, and other noteworthy species. With its scenic landscapes and diverse habitats, Dongxia is an ideal stop for birders seeking both diversity and tranquillity.

3. Qinghai Lake: Your birding trip is meaningless if you don’t wander around the famous Qinghai Lake. It is the largest inland saltwater lake in China, serving as a breeding ground for migratory birds. Here you can spot waterfowls like Black-necked Crane and other sought-after species like Bar-headed Goose, Northern Pintail, Red-crested Pochard, Eurasian Wigeon, Whooper Swan, Ferruginous Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Little Grebe, Pallas's Gull, etc. The lake and its nearby grassland are the perfect place to spend an enjoyable evening.

4. Rubber Mountain: Driving to the east of Heimahe, you will come across the Rubber Mountain, which is a fantastic high-altitude birding spot. The mixed shrubs and meadows are a perfect home to species like Tibetan Partridge, Saker Falcon, Streaked Rosefinch, Tibetan Snowfinch, White-rumped Snowfinch, Robin Accentor, White-browed Tit, Ground Tit, Himalayan Griffon, and Upland Buzzard. Birders who love to navigate through challenging terrain may find this place extremely rewarding.

5. Ela Mountain: Another promising high-altitude site for birdwatchers is the Ela Mountain. The region comprises alpine meadows and rocky landscapes, perfect for attracting iconic Tibetan Plateau birds. Your first target can be the highly range-restricted and rare Tibetan Rosefinch. While hiking slowly, you can even spot birds like Tibetan Sandgrouse, Tibetan Lark, White-rumped Snowfinch, Rufous-necked Snowfinch, Henri's Snowfinch, Black-headed Mountain Finch, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Vulture, Tibetan Snowcock, etc.

 

Final Thoughts

Qinghai birding trips are a paradise for every bird lover. Whether you are trekking through lush forests or exploring the shores of the lake, the region offers a high chance to encounter avian wonders. So, are you ready to embark on this tour? Find a reliable tour organizer like Alpine Birding and plan a journey that promises unforgettable sightings.

disclaimer
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.

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