Wildlife of Baihualing

Baihualing is a small town in the Yunnan province located at the border of China and Myanmar. A high elevation area, it is also a beautiful place filled with different kinds of birds, animals and wildlife.

The Baihualing Scenic Spot, located at 25°42′44.45″N and 98°52′13.80″E, was the first bird watching camp developed in Gaoligongshan Mountain. It’s around 35 kms from Mangkuan Township, Longyang District, Baoshan.

I first read about Baihualing in an article and as an avid nature and travel photographer, I decided I had to see this place for myself.

The Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve (GNNR) covers an altitude ranging from 700 to 3,916 meters asl. The region is unique in that the climatic condition allows a complete transition from temperate to tropical forest that is rare in the world.

It was raining pretty much the whole time I was there and I worried about seeing any birds or wildlife. They, however, didn’t seem to care about a bit of rain.

Home to more than 500 plus bird species, the area is a bird watcher’s paradise and is known as the Golden Triangle of China bird watching Zone” and “the five-star holy land” in bird photographers’ hearts.

The easiest way to get there is to take a flight to Baoshan airport and then drive on to Baihualing.

When I first glimpsed Baihualing, the sheer amount of greenery completely dazzled me. The area was rich with biodiversity and even though I went during the off season I still managed to photograph over 30 different bird species.

Streaked Spiderhunter- An olive coloured bird with dark streaks.

Yellow-cheeked tit- A small black bird with vibrant yellow cheeks (hence the name).

Flavescent Bulbul - Yellowish in colour, I caught two of them as they were discussing an apple they had just found.

Rufous-throated Partridge - Small and plump with an orange neck with black speckles.

Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler - A tiny brown feathered bird with dramatic colouring around its eyes – black edged with reddish orange surrounded by feathers of pure white.

Black-headed Sibia - Black and white, this bird stood out in stark contrast to the lush foliage around it.

Great Barbet - The bird was vibrant with a blue-black head and a brown body that gradually merged into feathers of light green and turquoise.

Rusty-fronted Barwing - It has a pure white belly and a tinge of orange around it’s face and an orange and black pattern on its wings.

Scarlet-faced Liocichla - Olive coloured with bright red wing panels and face, the bird stood alone on a tree branch when I caught a glimpse of it.

Large Niltava - At times like these I enjoy being a nature photographer. A brilliant, bold blue mixed with intense black – he stood out vividly against his backdrop.

Whiskered Yuhina - One of the more tinier birds I spotted – cute and fluffy with a distinguishing mohawk on its head.

Black-throated Sunbird - I found him casually hanging about and with his wine red chest and blue long tail, he was definitely a stunner.

Gray Bushchat - In stark contrast to his looks, his song was bright and melodious.

Crested Finchbill - Also known as tea green bulbul.

Northern Treeshrew -  Looks like a squirrel doesn’t it? It’s actually a treeshrew.

Squirrels

Watching the birds and squirrels enjoy their food was definitely a highlight! Afterall, who doesn’t enjoy a good apple? I also noticed that birds often feed together with their partners and seemed to enjoy the rain.

Orange-bellied Leafbird - His blue and black face colouring was striking against the rest of him.

Blue-winged Minla - The blue highlights on its wings and tail really stood out.

Scaly Laughingthrush - This bird is beautifully patterned with black-edged scaling all over its body.

Scaly-breasted Munia - This bird has a distinct pattern on its belly and breast.

I often worried how my photos would turn out in the rain and low light. Never let it be said taking natural photography pics is easy. But the rain and the landscape added an atmospheric quality to the photos and I was pretty pleased by how they turned out.

Stunning and vibrant with a gloriously thriving ecosystem, there is a reason why the GNNR is designated as a part of the UNESCO world heritage site. One of the few places left in the world, left relatively untouched by man, this region showcases Mother nature at its finest. This trip was very enjoyable and a must for all bird watchers or people interested in wildlife photography.

If you like my work please leave a comment. Thank You.