观鸟记录的范本

BIRDING IN
XINJIANG,
CHINA
12-18 October 2017





Paul Holt & Jan-Erik Nilsen

piholt@hotmail.com




INTRODUCTION

In October 2017 I made my eighth birding trip to Xinjiang, western China. It was an excellent trip - all the logistics worked well and everything ran smoothly. As on all of my previous trips Qingyu WANG & Urumqi based GOU Jun organised the logistics.

During this trip we covered about 3000 kilometres and recorded a very modest 108 species. Highlights included three globally threatened species, as defined by BirdLife International was noted with Saker Falcons being noted on four dates, a single White-headed Duck on two dates at Moguhu, Shihezi and two migrating Greater Spotted Eagle in Aertai.

Noteworthy other sightings included – one Brown-headed Gull at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12 October; both Great Grey & Steppe Grey Shrikes; a Hooded Crow at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16 October; a White-crowned Penduline Tit at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13 October; a late Rosy Starling at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16 October; one or two Buff-bellied Pipits at two sites near Shihezi; 2 Red-mantled Rosefinches & 2 Red Crossbill near Kamuste.


Qingyu, as always, was a superb guide and fixer. She is the ground agent for all of the Chinese bird tours that I lead for Sunbird and Wings Inc. and, as always, she did an excellent job. I would not hesitate to recommend her. Her address is -

Mrs Qingyu WANG
2601 Building E.
68 Ba Li Qiao South Street
Tongzhou
Beijing
P.R. China 101100
Tel: +86 10 89505149
Fax: +86 10 89505495
Mobile: +86 15210090601
Email: wangqingy@yahoo.com.cn
http://www.chinabirdtour.com



Dawn & Dusk
11 October 2017: Central Urumqi sunrise was at 08h20 and sunset 19h31. Note that, on a clear and cloudless day, it’s probably sufficiently light to bird watch for about 20 minutes either side of these times.


Participants
Paul HOLT
Jan-Erik Nilsen



Acknowledgements
First and foremost I must thank Mr ZHANG our intrepid, friendly & hard-working driver (mobile: 13999208066). Others who helped included WANG Qingyu (see above), GOU Jun & XUE Jie.


Costs
Exchange rates
In October 2017 £1 = 8.3 yuan
$1US = 6.2 yuan

Major expenses included the rental of Mr. ZHANG & his 4-wheel drive vehicle. He charged us a modest 600 yuan/day & we paid for all the petrol (that came to ta total of 1630 yuan). We also paid for Mr ZHANG’s food & hotel rooms. Our hotel near the airport in Urumqi cost 360 yuan/room/night, in Shihezi cost 168, in Jinghe 240 & in Fukang 240.


Wednesday 11 October 2017. Flew Beijing to Urumqi.

I flew from Beijing to Urumqi with Hainan Airlines (HU 7145) that departed terminal 1 of Beijing Capital International Airport at 13h55 & was scheduled to land at terminal 2 of Urumqi airport at 18h05. My ticket cost 1150 yuan & the flight departed the gate five minutes late at 07h35 on time and arrived in Urumqi, after a flight of almost four hours just before 18h00. I retrieved my luggage & headed outside the terminal where an agent of Urumqi Airport Hotel (tel. 0991 3807000) where my room cost 360 yuan for the night. Jan-Erik’s China Southern flight (CZ 692) was scheduled to land at terminal 3 in Urumqi at 23h45.

Common Blackbird 2 outside the Urumqi Airport hotel on the 11/10/2017.


Thursday 12 October 2017. Drove from Urumqi west-north-west to Shihezi.

I met Jan-Erik in the hotel lobby just before 06h00 & GOU Jun had been kind enough to arrange for a driver to meet us that morning. Mr Zhang (tel. 13999208066) duly arrived shortly afterwards. The three of us had some breakfast & headed off to Shihezi. The drive to Moguhu took just about two hours.

Arriving at 08h10 we went straight to Moguhu where we spent much of the rest of the day. In the evening the three of us met local birder Xu Jie who took us for dinner.

Night at the Huarui Shangwu Binguan in Shihezi (tel. 0993 2096777 & 0993 2518777) where our rooms cost 168 yuan/night.

Weather
A glorious day – clear blue & cloudless skies throughout the day, hardly any wind & despite substantial heat haze good long-range visibility. Cold (a chilly minus 2⁰C) early morning but warming up to 13⁰C by 15h00.

Sunrise & sun set at Shihezi on the 12 October 2017
Sun rise 08h23
Sun set 19h32

Moguhu Mu Chang, Shihezi. (4425.22’N., 8553.31’E.) 380 metres.
I’ve previously visited this site on a number of occasions. Its best accessed by driving north out of Shihezi, on Route S204 – a sizeable road that leads to ‘Yi Bai Wu Tuanchang’ (‘150 Corps.’) and on to Beikui. There are regular kilometre posts along the side of this road. Continue north past a large power station adjacent to Km post 94 & then Beihu Reservoir (previously known as Da Quan Gou) on the right shortly after this. Not much further north there’s a tourist area (Beihu Park) at the northern end of Beihu Reservoir (accessed by a turning to the right at Km post 80.8) and we’ve previously usually accessed Moguhu by turning left opposite this. Today we didn’t turn here but continued on for about another four kilometres before turning off left at Km post 76.7. This turning is immediately before the well signed Xi An Da Qiu Zhong Bridge (also known locally as ‘146 Da Qiao’). This side road is still hard surfaced & it skirts right around the northern end of Moguhu and then turns south down the western side. This smooth road normally keeps between about 200-800 metres away from the reservoir’s embankment but eventually climbs up on to the top of it. Having driven about eight Kms from ‘146 big bridge’ the road bends to the left & climbs up on to the top of the reservoir’s embankment. We continued on for about half a kilometre before parking up at a site where it was possible to turn left off this small road & drop down to the lake edge. We spent a couple of hours scanning from here before driving on to view another couple of different sites. We drove for exactly two kilometres and then turned off left on to an un-paved, dirt road. This junction is just where the main road bends to the right. Continuing down here there’s one track & after 0.3 Kms a second driveable track off to the left. We ignored both of these taking the third track off to the left (we’d then driven 1.1 Kms on the dirt track). We were unable to drive right to the end of this track – there was a deep-looking pool only 50 metres before the end of the track that we were afraid to drive in to. We parked up here & walked out across about 800 metres of grazed grassland to the lake edge. Highlights included -

Greylag Goose 89 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. They were in flocks of 9, 10 & 70.
Whooper Swan 6 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. All adults, five were seen at one part of the reservoir & a single bird at another.
Common Shelduck 3 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Ruddy Shelduck 166 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Gadwall 280 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Eurasian Wigeon 96 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Mallard 2235 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Northern Pintail 745 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Eurasian Teal 10 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Red-crested Pochard 17, eight males & nine, females at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Common Pochard 8, including six males, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Tufted Duck 9 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Common Goldeneye 5 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Red-breasted Merganser 2 redheads at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
White-headed Duck EN 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Little Grebe 4 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Great Crested Grebe 47 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Black-necked Grebe 14 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Grey Heron 4 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Great Egret 113 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Great Cormorant 5150 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Common Buzzard 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Eurasian Coot 72 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Pied Avocet 4 birds, a single & party of three, the latter were apparently all juveniles, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Northern Lapwing 30 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Pacific Golden Plover 4 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Little Stint 5 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Brown-headed Gull 1 first-winter at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Black-headed Gull 400 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. Most were adult-winters & most heading southeast & away from the reservoir very early morning - as if they'd roosted on Moguhu.
Pallas's Gull 690, mostly adults with perhaps just five first-years, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Caspian Gull 44 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Caspian Tern 5, three adults & two first-years, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Pallas's Sandgrouse 2 flew southwest over Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Eurasian Collared Dove 25 t between Moguhu & Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Common Kestrel 4, a pair & two singles, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Saker Falcon VU 1 juvenile at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Great Grey Shrike 1 apparently subspecies funereus at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. This, the first of the two 'grey shrikes' that we saw today, was photographed.
Steppe Grey Shrike 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. The second of the two 'grey shrikes' that we saw today this one was also photographed.
Azure Tit 2 widely separate birds were heard at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Bearded Reedling 2 were heard at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Asian Short-toed Lark 40 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. They were in flocks of 10 & 15.
Crested Lark 4 were heard at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Eurasian Skylark 20 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Horned Lark 2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. At one stage they were together.
Sand Martin 2 first-winters at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Pale Martin 1 first-winter at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Barn Swallow 135 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Common Chiffchaff 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Common Starling 27 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. They were in flocks of 5, 10 & 12. The two smaller flocks involved birds that flew purposefully south (migrating or hurriedly leaving a roost?) in the early morning.
Black-throated Thrush 6, two seen & four others only heard, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
House Sparrow 4 female-plumaged birds at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow 10 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Black-throated Accentor 1 calling accentor that was heard flying south at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017 was probably this species.
Western Yellow Wagtail 4 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. The only one seen well was probably bema.
White Wagtail 4 singles at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
[Meadow Pipit 1 bird, possibly this species was heard at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017].
Buff-bellied Pipit 2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Water Pipit 8 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Eurasian Chaffinch 1 female at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Brambling 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
European Greenfinch 16 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. They were in flocks of 5 & 11.
European Goldfinch 10, a flock of 9 & a single at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.. The singleton was in the large flock of Eurasian Linnets. Desert Finches & European Greenfinches.
Eurasian Linnet 50 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. Flocks of 5, 10 & 35.
Desert Finch 26 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. Two singles were heard, another single was seen & a group of 23 were mixed with Eurasian Linnets, European Greenfinches & one European Goldfinch in a field of sunflowers
Yellowhammer 1 flew purposefully south at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
Yellowhammer or Pine Bunting 4 singles were heard as they flew south down the eastern side of Moguhu, Shihezi early on the 12/10/2017.
Reed Bunting 3, one seen & two others only heard, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.


Friday 13 October 2017. Morning around Manasi, afternoon drove to Aibihu, Jinghe.

Together with Xu Jie we visited a couple of sites in Manasi this morning before dropping him off back in Shihezi & heading on our way, west to Aibihu & Jinghe. It was a long drive – 4.5 hours - & a monumental was of time & money as we discovered that the nature reserve & lake edge was locked with barriers across the road four of five kilometres short of the lake edge. There had apparently been a recent environmental survey done on the lake – and it had fallen below what were deemed acceptable standards & the reserve’s reaction was to close, presumably so that no-one could see what the problem was! Frustrated we headed on in to Jinghe where we spent the night.

Our room at the only hotel in Jinghe that could accept foreigners, the

Site 1. Se corner of Xing Hu Ping, Manasi (08h25-08h40)(400 metres)

Greylag Goose 13
Gadwall 15
Eurasian Wigeon 2
Mallard 6
Red-crested Pochard 70
Great Crested Grebe 4
Great Egret 1
Great Cormorant 8
Hen Harrier 1
Eurasian Coot 40
Black-headed Gull 110
Caspian Gull 5
Merlin 2
Steppe Grey Shrike 1
Azure Tit 1
Asian Short-toed Lark 1
Eurasian Tree Sparrow 2
Water Pipit 2
Eurasian Linnet 1
Desert Finch 1
Reed Bunting 2

Site 2. Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi (09h15-11h05)(400 metres)

Tundra Bean Goose 43
Greylag Goose 2168
Gadwall 47
Eurasian Wigeon 40
Mallard 47
Northern Pintail 2
Eurasian Teal 30
Common Pochard 75
Tufted Duck 22
Common Goldeneye 6
Smew 1
Common Merganser 12
Great Crested Grebe 11
Grey Heron 3
Great Egret 6
Great Cormorant 250
Common Crane 39
Northern Lapwing 30
Common Snipe 5
Calidrid sp. 3
Black-headed Gull 40
Pallas's Gull 120
Caspian Gull 23
Eurasian Collared Dove 8
Common Kestrel 2
Merlin 1
Saker Falcon VU 1
Azure Tit 6
White-crowned Penduline Tit 1
Bearded Reedling 15
Asian Short-toed Lark 3
Crested Lark 1
Eurasian Skylark 2
Horned Lark [1]
Sand Martin 1
Barn Swallow 25
Isabelline Wheatear 2
Desert Wheatear 7
Saxaul Sparrow 13
Eurasian Tree Sparrow 10
White Wagtail 3, Masked Wagtails M. a. personata
Water Pipit 8
European Greenfinch 2
Eurasian Linnet 2
Desert Finch 17
Yellowhammer or Pine Bunting 1
Reed Bunting 7

Mammals, reptiles & amphibians
Red Fox 1

Drive from Shihezi west to Jinghe

Common Buzzard 2 singles
Buzzard sp. 2
Common Kestrel 2
Carrion Crow 2

83 Tuan area near Aibihu, Jinghe (17h10-18h30)

Hen Harrier 1
Great Egret 7
Common Crane 1
Isabelline Shrike 2
Bearded Reedling 1
Black Redstart 2
Desert Wheatear 2
Saxaul Sparrow 1
Desert Finch 5

Tundra Bean Goose 43 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017. Birds were seen in flocks of 5, 5, 10 & 25.
Greylag Goose 2181 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. 11 of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 2168 being at Dahaizi reservoir. Flocks of up to 755 birds arrived from the southwest & settled on to Dahaizi reservoir almost throughout the time were there 09h15-11h05.
Gadwall 62 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. 15 of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 47 being at Dahaizi reservoir.
Eurasian Wigeon 42 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. Two of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 40 being at Dahaizi reservoir.
Mallard 53 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. Six of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 47 being at Dahaizi reservoir.
Northern Pintail 2 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Eurasian Teal 30 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Red-crested Pochard 70 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Common Pochard 75 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Tufted Duck 22 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Common Goldeneye 6 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Smew 1 first-year male at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Common Merganser 12 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Common Pheasant 1 ale besides the G30 expressway between Shihezi & Jinghe on the 13/10/017.
Great Crested Grebe 15 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. Four of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 11 being at Dahaizi reservoir.
Grey Heron 3 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Great Egret 13 on the 13/10/2017. Seven of these were in Manasi with the first being in the southeast corner of Xing Hu Ping & the other six on Dahaizi reservoir. Elsewhere there were seven n the 83 Tuan area near Aibihu, Jinghe.
Great Cormorant 258 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. Eight of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 250 being at Dahaizi reservoir.
Hen Harrier 2 ringtails on the 13/10/2017. The first was hunting co-operatively with two Merlin at Xing Hu Ping, Manasi while the other was Aibihu, Jinghe.
Common Buzzard 2 were seen from the G30 expressway between Shihezi & Jinghe on the 13/10/017.
Buzzard sp. 2 were seen from the G30 expressway between Shihezi & Jinghe on the 13/10/017.
Eurasian Coot 40 on Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Common Crane 40 on the 13/10/2017. 39 of these were at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi while the other was heard close to Aibihu, Jinghe.
Northern Lapwing 30 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Common Snipe 5 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Calidrid sp. 3 very distant birds at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Black-headed Gull 150 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. 110 of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 40 being at Dahaizi reservoir.
Pallas’s Gull 120 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Caspian Gull 28 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. Five of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 23 being at Dahaizi reservoir.
Eurasian Collared Dove 15 on the 13/10/2017. Eight of these were near Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi.
Common Kestrel 4 on the 13/10/2017. The first two were near Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi while the other two were seen from the G30 expressway between Shihezi & Jinghe.
Merlin 3 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017 - two female-plumaged birds hunting with with ringtail Hen Harrier at Xing Hu Ping & a perched male at Dahaizi reservoir.
Saker Falcon 1 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Isabelline Shrike 2, an adult & a first-winter, loosely associating together in 83 Tuan area near Aibihu, Jinghe on the 13/10/2017.
Steppe Grey Shrike 1 adult male was seen well at Xing Hu Ping, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Carrion Crow 2 besides the G30 expressway between Shihezi & Jinghe on the 13/10/2017.
Azure Tit 9 on the 13/10/2017. Seven of these were in Manasi with the first was near Xing Hu Ping & six more were at Dahaizi reservoir. The latter were initially in the waterside reeds before flying off high to the west.
White-crowned Penduline Tit 1 was heard at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Bearded Reedling 16 on the 13/10/2017. 15 of these were in two quite widely separate flocks, of seven & eight birds, at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi with another was heard near Aibihu, Jinghe
Asian Short-toed Lark 4 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. The first was near Xing Hu Ping with the other four being at Dahaizi reservoir.
Crested Lark 1 was heard at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Eurasian Skylark 2 were heard at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Horned Lark 1 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017 (Jan-Erik Nilsen)
Sand or Pale Martin 1 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Barn Swallow 25 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Hume's Leaf Warbler 1 was heard in Jinghe town on the 13/10/2017.
Black-throated Thrush 1 was heard outside our hotel in Shihezi at 06h45 on the 13/10/2017.
Black Redstart 2 phoenicuroides males in 83 Tuan area near Aibihu, Jinghe on the 13/10/2017.
Isabelline Wheatear 2 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Desert Wheatear 9 on the 13/10/2017. Seven of these were at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi with two more in 83 Tuan area near Aibihu, Jinghe.
Saxaul Sparrow 14 on the 13/10/2017. 13 of these were at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi where two singles heard & a flock of 11 flew purposefully west along the reservoir's southern shoreline. At least one other was heard near Aibihu.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow 12 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. Two of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other nine being at Dahaizi reservoir.
White Wagtail 3 'Masked Wagtails' M. a. personata at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Water Pipit 10 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. The first two were near Xing Hu Ping with the other eight being at Dahaizi reservoir.
European Greenfinch 2 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Eurasian Linnet 3 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. One of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other two being at Dahaizi reservoir.
Desert Finch 23 on the 13/10/2017. These involved in 18 in Manasi (one at Xing Hu Ping & 17 at Dahaizi reservoir) was as five near Aibihu, Jinghe. At Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi three were seen down drinking, three singles flew west as fid a flock of 11.
Yellowhammer or Pine Bunting 1 flew east down the edge of the reservoir at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
Reed Bunting 9 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. two of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other seven being at Dahaizi reservoir.

Mammals, reptiles & amphibians
Red Fox 1 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.


Saturday 14 October 2017. Drove from Jinghe back to Shihezi. Late morning & afternoon around Shihezi.

Leaving the Aibihu (Ebinur Hu) area & Jinghe at 06h05 we headed back to Shihezi. Arriving there at about 09h45 we had some breakfast before heading on to Beihu & Moguhu reservoirs. We spent the rest of the day there.

Drive from Jinghe back to Shihezi
Common Crane 2

Beihu reservoir (previously known as Dachuangou reservoir), Shihezi. 380 metres. (10h30-12h15)
Ruddy Shelduck 33
Gadwall 25
Eurasian Wigeon 6
Mallard 655
Northern Shoveler 6
Northern Pintail 35
Eurasian Teal 210
Ferruginous Duck NT 1
Tufted Duck 1
Little Grebe 2
Eurasian Spoonbill 1
Grey Heron 85
Great Egret 20
Great Cormorant 230
Hen Harrier 1
Common Snipe 9
Black-headed Gull 185
Pallas's Gull 191
Caspian Gull 359
Peregrine Falcon 1
Bluethroat 1
Eurasian Tree Sparrow 30
Buff-bellied Pipit 2
Water Pipit 5
European Greenfinch 4
Reed Bunting 3

Moguhu, Shihezi (12h30-18h15)

Tundra Bean Goose 1
Whooper Swan 1
Ruddy Shelduck 115
Gadwall 48
Eurasian Wigeon 8
Mallard 3170
Northern Shoveler 1
Northern Pintail 245
Eurasian Teal 90
Red-crested Pochard 1
Common Pochard 16
Ferruginous Duck NT 1
Tufted Duck 26
Common Goldeneye 43022
Smew 1
Little Grebe 1
Great Crested Grebe 14/10/201
Eurasian Spoonbill 1
Grey Heron 1
Great Egret 1
Great Cormorant 1
Hen Harrier 1
Eurasian Coot 110
Common Snipe 1
Little Stint 2
Dunlin 26
Red-necked Phalarope 1
Black-headed Gull 1
Pallas's Gull 600
Caspian Gull 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
Great Tit 2
Asian Short-toed Lark 8
Eurasian Skylark 1
Horned Lark 1
Barn Swallow 2
Common Chiffchaff 2
Black-throated Thrush 1
Bluethroat 1
Eversmann’s Redstart 1
Eurasian Tree Sparrow 1
Buff-bellied Pipit 1
Water Pipit 1
European Greenfinch 1
Eurasian Siskin 1
European Goldfinch 6
Reed Bunting 1

Tundra Bean Goose 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Whooper Swan 1 was heard at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Ruddy Shelduck 148 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - 33 at Beihu reservoir & 115 on Moguhu.
Gadwall 73 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - 25 at Beihu reservoir & 48 on Moguhu.
Eurasian Wigeon 14 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - six at Beihu reservoir & eight on Moguhu.
Mallard 3825 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - 655 at Beihu reservoir & 3170 on Moguhu.
Northern Shoveler 7 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - six at Beihu reservoir & one on Moguhu.
Northern Pintail 280 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - 35 at Beihu reservoir & 245 on Moguhu.
Eurasian Teal 300 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - 210 at Beihu reservoir & 90 on Moguhu.
Red-crested Pochard 2, a pair, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Common Pochard 16 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Ferruginous Duck NT 2 female plumaged birds at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Tufted Duck 27 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - one at Beihu reservoir & 26 on Moguhu.
Common Goldeneye 2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Smew 2, a female & an immature male, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Little Grebe 2 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Great Crested Grebe 39 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Eurasian Spoonbill 1 adult at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Grey Heron 85 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Great Egret 20 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Great Cormorant 230 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Hen Harrier 1 ringtail at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Eurasian Coot 110 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Common Crane 2 from the G30 expressway between Jinghe & Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Common Snipe 9 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Little Stint 2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Dunlin 26 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Red-necked Phalarope 1 juvenile at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Black-headed Gull 185 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Pallas's Gull 791 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - 191 at Beihu reservoir & 600 on Moguhu.
Caspian Gull 359 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Peregrine Falcon 1 adult at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Great Tit 2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Asian Short-toed Lark 8 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Eurasian Skylark 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Horned Lark 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017. (Jan-Erik Nilsen)
Barn Swallow 2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Common Chiffchaff 2, one seen & the other only heard, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Black-throated Thrush 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Bluethroat 1 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Eversmann’s Redstart 1 immature male at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow 30 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Buff-bellied Pipit 2 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Water Pipit 5 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
European Greenfinch 5 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - four at at Beihu reservoir & one on Moguhu.
Eurasian Siskin 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
European Goldfinch 6 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
Reed Bunting 3 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.


Sunday 15 October 2017. All day in the Manasi & Shihezi area.

I went back to Moguhu, Shihezi & spent much of the day sound recording rather than birding while Jan-Erik explored a few new sites in Manasi.

Tundra Bean Goose 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Greylag Goose 45 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Whooper Swan 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Ruddy Shelduck 100 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Gadwall 30 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Eurasian Wigeon 25 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Mallard 3000 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Northern Shoveler 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Northern Pintail 200 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Eurasian Teal 30 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Red-crested Pochard 5 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Common Pochard 11 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Tufted Duck 11 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Common Goldeneye 2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Smew 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Red-breasted Merganser 2 redheads at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
White-headed Duck EN 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Little Grebe 2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Great Crested Grebe 30 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Black-necked Grebe 7 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Grey Heron 4 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Great Egret 100 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Great Cormorant 4000 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Hen Harrier 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Common Buzzard 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Eurasian Coot 100 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Pied Avocet 2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Northern Lapwing 20 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Dunlin 2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Black-headed Gull 300 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Pallas's Gull 500 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Caspian Gull 10 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Caspian Tern 2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Eurasian Collared Dove 31 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Common Kestrel 2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Saker Falcon VU 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Great Tit 2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Azure Tit 4 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Asian Short-toed Lark 4 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Crested Lark 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Eurasian Skylark 10 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Barn Swallow 20 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Common Chiffchaff 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Common Starling 25 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Black-throated Thrush 4 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow 20 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Black-throated Accentor 2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
White Wagtail 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Buff-bellied Pipit 1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Water Pipit 6 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Brambling 5 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
European Goldfinch 4 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Eurasian Linnet 5 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
Yellowhammer or Pine Bunting 2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.


Monday 16 October 2017. Am around Manasi, pm drove to Fukang

We spent the morning birding at a couple of rather secondary sites in Manasi (Baitukeng & Yawugou reservoirs) before heading on to Fukang in the afternoon.

Shihezi to Fukang (a city Ne of Urumqi) is 188 kilometres. The Google map suggested that’d take us 2 hrs 22 minutes but with several security checks it actually took much longer. Gou Jun is currently based in Fukang & he generously treated us to to dinner that evening.

Kamaili is the oasis birding site well to the north of Fukang.

Baitukeng reservoir, Manasi (08h20-09h10)(400 metres)

Gadwall 25
Eurasian Wigeon 6
Mallard 550
Eurasian Teal 3
Common Pochard 7
Common Merganser 7
Great Crested Grebe 1
Black-necked Grebe 3
Great Cormorant 20
Eurasian Coot 9
Black-headed Gull 30
Pallas's Gull 3
Caspian Gull 3
Eurasian Collared Dove 2
Water Pipit 4
Reed Bunting 2

Yawugou reservoir, Manasi (09h25-14h00)((400 metres)

Gadwall 45
Eurasian Wigeon 12
Mallard 1090
Northern Pintail 110
Eurasian Teal 50
Red-crested Pochard 1
Smew 1
Common Merganser 1
Common Pheasant 1
Little Grebe 1
Great Crested Grebe 2
Grey Heron 4
Great Egret 13
Great Cormorant 350
Hen Harrier 7
Common Buzzard 4
Northern Lapwing 11
Black-headed Gull 50
Pallas's Gull 7
Caspian Gull 25
Eurasian Collared Dove 1
Common Kestrel 2
Peregrine Falcon 1
Steppe Grey Shrike 1
Hooded Crow 1
Asian Short-toed Lark 8
Eurasian Skylark 4
Rosy Starling 1
Common Starling 290
Black-throated Thrush 13
Desert Wheatear 2
Saxaul Sparrow 10
Spanish Sparrow 1
Eurasian Tree Sparrow 15
White Wagtail 4
Water Pipit 4
Eurasian Linnet 2
Desert Finch 15
Yellowhammer or Pine Bunting 2

Gadwall 70 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - 25 on Baitukeng reservoir & 45 on Yawugou reservoir.
Eurasian Wigeon 18 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - six on Baitukeng reservoir & 12 on Yawugou reservoir.
Mallard 1640 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - 550 on Baitukeng reservoir & 1090 on Yawugou reservoir.
Northern Pintail 110 on Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Eurasian Teal 53 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - three on Baitukeng reservoir & 50 on Yawugou reservoir.
Red-crested Pochard 1 female on Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Common Pochard 7 on Baitukeng reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Smew 1 redhead on Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Common Merganser 8 redheads in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - seven on Baitukeng reservoir & one on Yawugou reservoir.
Common Pheasant 1 female near Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Little Grebe 1 near Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Great Crested Grebe 3 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - one on Baitukeng reservoir & two on Yawugou reservoir.
Black-necked Grebe 3 on Baitukeng reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Grey Heron 4 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Great Egret 13 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Great Cormorant 370 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - 20 on Baitukeng reservoir & 250 on Yawugou reservoir.
Hen Harrier 7, two males & five ringtails, at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Common Buzzard 4 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Eurasian Coot 9 on Baitukeng reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Northern Lapwing 11 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Black-headed Gull 80 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - 30 on Baitukeng reservoir & 50 on Yawugou reservoir.
Pallas's Gull 10 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - three on Baitukeng reservoir & seven on Yawugou reservoir.
Caspian Gull 28 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - three on Baitukeng reservoir & 25 on Yawugou reservoir.
Eurasian Collared Dove 3 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - two at Baitukeng reservoir & the other at Yawugou reservoir.
Common Kestrel 2 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Peregrine Falcon 1 juvenile at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Steppe Grey Shrike 1 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Hooded Crow 1 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Asian Short-toed Lark 8 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Eurasian Skylark 4 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Rosy Starling 1 juvenile in the larger flock of Common Starlings at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Common Starling 290 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017. Birds were in flocks of 80 & 210.
Black-throated Thrush 13 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Desert Wheatear 2 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Saxaul Sparrow 10 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Spanish Sparrow 1 male at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow 15 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
White Wagtail 4, two personata & two first-winter alba, at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Water Pipit 8 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - four at Baitukeng reservoir & four more at Yawugou reservoir.
Eurasian Linnet 2 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Desert Finch 15, in flocks of two & 13, at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Yellowhammer or Pine Bunting 2 singles flew over us at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
Reed Bunting 2 at Baitukeng reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


Tuesday 17 October 2017. Fukang north to Kamuste cun, Aertai.

We left Fukang at 06h00 & headed north up route G216 to Kamuste cun. We turned right (northeast) off that road onto a dirt track at the southern end of the village – immediately before the reserve protection station (the first building on the right & about 600 metres south of the the village centre & the large radio mast. We drove on this minor, unpaved track for about five kilometres until we came to an isolated small hut besides two recently constructed pools. There’s a small oasis with open water and a large number of bushes here held lots of birds & it would have been great to have spent multiple hours here. However we’d only been there about 15 minutes when two extremely unpleasant reserve staff arrived & basically arrested us. They split Jan-Erik & me up – I went back to their protection station in their vehicle while one of them travelled back with Jan-Erik & Mr Zhang in our vehicle. They took us straight back to the protection station & then locked us in just as if we’d been arrested! They said that they’d called the police & that they were on their way. After almost two hours of this I complained – and queried how they could detain two foreigners when they were not police – just nature reserve staff. After some arguing they relented & said that we were free to go – but that they would detail Mr Zhang’s car. Further faffing & eventually one of Gou Jun’s colleagues in Xinjiang Bird Watching society secured our release. We’d wasted 2.5 hours here & weren’t allowed to return to the oasis.

Lao Kamuste cun – ‘Old Kamuste’, Aertai. (45°23.0’N., 89°30.0’E.). 1064 metres.
09:15-15:00hrs.

Long-legged Buzzard 2
Little Owl 1
Common Kestrel 1
Azure Tit 5
Bearded Reedling 4
Asian Short-toed Lark 1
Horned Lark 100
Common Chiffchaff 2
Black-throated Thrush 1
Desert Wheatear 1
Saxaul Sparrow 70
Eurasian Tree Sparrow 5
Black-throated Accentor 2
Eurasian Chaffinch 1
Brambling 30
Twite 40
Eurasian Linnet 5
Mongolian Finch 15
Long-tailed Rosefinch 2
Red-mantled Rosefinch 2
Red Crossbill 2
Yellowhammer 3
Reed Bunting 2

We then headed back towards Fukang & made a couple of further stops –

Watchpoint in the desert ca.10 Kms south of Kamuste cun on route G216
We spent just over two hours (13h00-15h10) observing what was a very modest movement of raptors.

Chukar 1
Greater Spotted Eagle VU 2
Steppe Eagle 7
Golden Eagle 3
Long-legged Buzzard 2
Common Kestrel 1
Saker Falcon VU 1
Asian Short-toed Lark 6
Horned Lark 60
Saxaul Sparrow 10

Roadside scrub between Kms 408-Kms 409 on route G216.
We spent just over two hours (15h20-17h35) in that area

Chukar 2
Little Owl 1
Common Kestrel 1
Saker Falcon VU 1
Great Grey Shrike 1
Azure Tit 4
Horned Lark 15
Saxaul Sparrow 20
Eurasian Tree Sparrow 10
Black-throated Accentor 3
Brambling 15
Eurasian Siskin 1
Twite 80
Mongolian Finch 25
Long-tailed Rosefinch 2
Meadow Bunting 2

Leaving that site we headed straight back to the Heavenly Lake Hotel in Fukang & had dinner in the hotel’s restaurant when we got back.

Chukar 12 close to the G216 highway south of Kamuste cun, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. Seven of these were at Km 429.7 on G216, another was heard close to the desert watchpoint ca.10 kilometres south of Kamuste & two more were heard in the Km 408-Km 409 area.
Greater Spotted Eagle VU 2 singles drifted leisurely south at the desert watch point ca.10 kilometres south of Kamuste, Aertai on the
17/10/2017.
Steppe Eagle 7, some of which drifted leisurely south, at the desert watch point ca.10 kilometres south of Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.
Golden Eagle 3 singles, a juvenile and immature & a sub-adult, drifted leisurely south at the desert watch point ca.10 kilometres south of Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017
Long-legged Buzzard 4 near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first two were close to the village while the other two were at the desert watchpoint about 10 kilometres further south. None of these appeared to be actively migrating.
Little Owl 2 single near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first was midway between the village & the desert oasis while the other was at Km 409 on route G216.
Common Kestrel 3 singles near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.
Saker Falcon VU 2 singles near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first was at the desert watchpoint about 10 kilometres south
of Kamuste while the other was over Km 408 on route G216. Neither of these appeared to be actively migrating.
Great Grey Shrike 1 at Km 409 on route G216 south of Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.
Henderson's Ground Jay 3 besides route G216 south of Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first, presumably a pair, two were at Km 429.7 In the morning while the other was further south that there in the late afternoon.
Azure Tit 9 near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first five were in the desert oasis near Kamuste cun while the other four were between Km 408-409 on route G216.
Bearded Reedling 4 in the desert oasis near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.
Asian Short-toed Lark 7 near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first flew over the oasis close to the village while the other six flew purposefully south at the desert watchpoint about 10 kilometres further south.
Horned Lark 175 near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. About 100 of these were between the village of Kamuste cun & the nearby desert oasis, another 60 flew purposefully south over the desert about 10 kilometres south of Kamuste while 15 more were between Kms 408-409 on route G216 while the other two were at the desert watchpoint about 10 kilometres further south. None of these appeared to be actively migrating. In the desert south of Kamuste cun the migrating flocks were of 1, 3, 3, 3, 5, 7, 7, 10, 11, 13 birds.
Common Chiffchaff 2 in the desert oasis near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.
Black-throated Thrush 2 singles near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. These included one right in the village centre.
Desert Wheatear 1 male near the desert oasis near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.
Saxaul Sparrow 105 near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. About 70 of these were at the desert oasis near Kamuste cun, another 10 flew purposefully south and were undoubtedly actively migrating over the desert about 10 kilometres south of Kamuste while 20 more were between Kms 408-409 on route G216.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow 20 near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. Birds were widely encountered.
Black-throated Accentor 5 near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first two in the desert oasis close to the village while the other three were in scrub between kilometres 408-409.
Eurasian Chaffinch 1 with a flock of Bramblings in the desert oasis near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.
Brambling 45 near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first 30 in the desert oasis close to the village while the other 15 were in scrub between kilometres 408-409.
Eurasian Siskin 1 flew north (!) over the desert scrub between kilometres 408-409 on route G216 south of Kamuste cun, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.
Twite 120 near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first 40 were in the desert oasis close to the village while the other 80 were in scrub between kilometres 408-409.
Eurasian Linnet 5 in the desert oasis near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.
Mongolian Finch 40 near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. A flock of about 15 were close to the desert oasis near Kamuste cun while the other 25 were between kilometres 408-409.
Long-tailed Rosefinch 4 near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first two were in the desert oasis close to the village while the other two were in scrub between kilometres 408-409.
Red-mantled Rosefinch 2, females or first-winter males, in the desert oasis near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.
Red Crossbill 2 juveniles in the desert oasis near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. (Jan-Erik Nilsen)
Yellowhammer 3 around Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first flew low over the desert oasis while the other two were in the compound of the reserve protection station later in the day.
Meadow Bunting 2 in the desert scrub between kilometres 408-409 on route G216 south of Kamuste cun, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.
Reed Bunting 2 in the desert oasis near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.

Mammals, reptiles & amphibians

Talimu Hare 4 in the desert scrub between kilometres 408-409 on route G216 south of Kamuste cun, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.
Gazelle sp. 14 near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first seven were between the village of Kamuste cun & the nearby desert oasis, another three were at about Km 411 on route G216 with four (a family party with an adult male, adult female & two almost fully-grown young) more were between Kms 408-409.
Daurian Ground-squirrel 6, three seen & the other three only heard, near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. Two were between Kamuste cun & the desert oasis while the other four were at the desert watchpoint about 10 kilometres further south.


Wednesday 18 October 2017. We drove from Fukang back to Urumqi & flew back to Beijing.

We had hoped to have done some more birding today & had planned, on advice from Gou Jun, to have gone to Bayi reservoir on the edge of Urumqi city today but, with the important government meeting in Beijing starting today, security, already tight in Xinjiang, had been ramped up & the very first police check post that we went through took an eternity. We had to pass through the check post twice – once in the usual fashion where we produced our passports & the second time where we had to open all our checked luggage for a particularly thorough security check. We had a flight later that evening & decided that we’d better head straight to Urumqi airport & that’s what we did. We arrived at 10h00.

Air China CA1276 departs terminal 2 of Urumqi airport at 18h00 & arrives at terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport at 21h35. That flight cost 710 yuan.



BIRD LIST

Four figures are given in parentheses - the first two of these figures details how many days out of six, that particular species was seen in Xinjiang. The third figure notes the highest daily count and the fourth the number of bird-days. The second set of parentheses presents the altitudinal range that particular species was encountered at. Hence the entry for Tundra Bean Goose reads (3/6 43 45) - birds were noted on three of the six days we were in Xinjiang, with up to 43 individuals on any one date and with a total of 45 bird-days.



TUNDRA BEAN GOOSE Anser serrirostris
(3/6 43 45)
43 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017. Birds were seen in flocks of 5, 5, 10 & 25.
1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.


GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser
(3/6 2181 2315)
89 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. They were in flocks of 9, 10 & 70.
2181 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. 11 of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 2168 being at Dahaizi reservoir. Flocks of up to 755 birds arrived from
the southwest & settled on to Dahaizi reservoir almost throughout the time were there 09h15-11h05.
45 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.


WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus
(3/6 6 8)
6 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. All adults, five were seen at one part of the reservoir & a single bird at another.
1 was heard at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.


COMMON SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna
(1/6 3 3)
3 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.


RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadorna ferruginea
(3/6 166 414)
166 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
148 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - 33 at Beihu reservoir & 115 on Moguhu.
100 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.


GADWALL Anas strepera
(5/6 280 515)
280 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
62 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. 15 of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 47 being at Dahaizi reservoir.
73 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - 25 at Beihu reservoir & 48 on Moguhu.
30 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
70 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - 25 on Baitukeng reservoir & 45 on Yawugou reservoir.


EURASIAN WIGEON Anas penelope
(5/6 96 195)
96 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
42 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. Two of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 40 being at Dahaizi reservoir.
14 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - six at Beihu reservoir & eight on Moguhu.
25 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
18 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - six on Baitukeng reservoir & 12 on Yawugou reservoir.


MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos
(5/6 3825 10753)
2235 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
53 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. Six of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 47 being at Dahaizi reservoir.
3825 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - 655 at Beihu reservoir & 3170 on Moguhu.
3000 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
1640 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - 550 on Baitukeng reservoir & 1090 on Yawugou reservoir.


NORTHERN SHOVELER Anas clypeata
(2/6 7 8)
7 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - six at Beihu reservoir & one on Moguhu.
1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.


NORTHERN PINTAIL Anas acuta
(5/6 745 1337)
745 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
2 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
280 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - 35 at Beihu reservoir & 245 on Moguhu.
200 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
110 on Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


EURASIAN TEAL Anas crecca
(5/6 300 423)
10 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
30 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
300 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - 210 at Beihu reservoir & 90 on Moguhu.
30 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
53 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - three on Baitukeng reservoir & 50 on Yawugou reservoir.


RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina
(5/6 70 95)
17, eight males & nine, females at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
70 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
2, a pair, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
5 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
1 female on Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


COMMON POCHARD Aythya ferina
(5/6 75 117)
8, including six males, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
75 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
16 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
11 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
7 on Baitukeng reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


FERRUGINOUS DUCK Aythya nyroca NT
(1/6 1 1)
2 female plumaged birds at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.


TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula
(4/6 27 69)
9 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
22 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
27 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - one at Beihu reservoir & 26 on Moguhu.
11 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.


COMMON GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula
(4/6 6 15)
5 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
6 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.


SMEW Mergellus albellus
(4/6 2 5)
1 first-year male at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
2, a female & an immature male, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
1 redhead on Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator
(2/6 2 4)
2 redheads at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
2 redheads at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.


COMMON MERGANSER Mergus merganser
(2/6 12 20)
12 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
8 redheads in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - seven on Baitukeng reservoir & one on Yawugou reservoir.


WHITE-HEADED DUCK Oxyura leucocephala EN
(2/6 1 2)
1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.


CHUKAR Alectoris chukar
(1/6 12 12)
12 close to the G216 highway south of Kamuste cun, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. Seven of these were at Km 429.7 on G216, another was heard close to the
desert watchpoint ca.10 kilometres south of Kamuste & two more were heard in the Km 408-Km 409 area.


COMMON PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus
(2/6 1 2)
1 ale besides the G30 expressway between Shihezi & Jinghe on the 13/10/017.
1 female near Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis
(4/6 4 9)
4 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
2 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
1 near Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus
(5/6 47 134)
47 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
15 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. Four of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 11 being at Dahaizi reservoir.
39 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
30 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
3 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - one on Baitukeng reservoir & two on Yawugou reservoir.


BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis
(3/6 14 24)
14 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
7 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
3 on Baitukeng reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


EURASIAN SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia
(1/6 1 1)
1 adult at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.


GREY HERON Ardea cinerea
(5/6 85 100)
4 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
3 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
85 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
4 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
4 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


GREAT EGRET Ardea alba
(5/6 113 260)
113 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
13 on the 13/10/2017. Seven of these were in Manasi with the first being in the southeast corner of Xing Hu Ping & the other six on Dahaizi reservoir.
Elsewhere there were seven n the 83 Tuan area near Aibihu, Jinghe.
20 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
100 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
13 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo
(5/6 5150 10008)
5150 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
258 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. Eight of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 250 being at Dahaizi reservoir.
230 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
4000 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
370 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - 20 on Baitukeng reservoir & 250 on Yawugou reservoir.


GREATER SPOTTED EAGLE Aquila clanga VU
(1/6 2 2)
2 singles drifted leisurely south at the desert watch point ca.10 kilometres south of Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.


STEPPE EAGLE Aquila nipalensis
(1/6 7 7)
7, some of which drifted leisurely south, at the desert watch point ca.10 kilometres south of Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.


GOLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaetos
(1/6 3 3)
3 singles, a juvenile and immature & a sub-adult, drifted leisurely south at the desert watch point ca.10 kilometres south of Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017


HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus
(4/6 7 11)
2 ringtails on the 13/10/2017. The first was hunting co-operatively with two Merlin at Xing Hu Ping, Manasi while the other was Aibihu, Jinghe.
1 ringtail at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
7, two males & five ringtails, at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD Buteo rufinus
(1/6 4 4)
4 near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first two were close to the village while the other two were at the desert watchpoint about 10 kilometres further
south. None of these appeared to be actively migrating.


COMMON BUZZARD Buteo Buteo
(4/6 4 8)
1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
2 were seen from the G30 expressway between Shihezi & Jinghe on the 13/10/017.
1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
4 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


BUZZARD SP.
(1/6 2 2)
2 were seen from the G30 expressway between Shihezi & Jinghe on the 13/10/017.


EURASIAN COOT Fulica atra
(5/6 110 331)
72 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
40 on Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
110 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
100 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
9 on Baitukeng reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


COMMON CRANE Grus grus
(2/6 40 42)
40 on the 13/10/2017. 39 of these were at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi while the other was heard close to Aibihu, Jinghe.
2 from the G30 expressway between Jinghe & Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.


PIED AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta
(2/6 4 6)
4 birds, a single & party of three, the latter were apparently all juveniles, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.


NORTHERN LAPWING Vanellus vanellus
(4/6 30 91)
30 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
30 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
20 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
11 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis fulva
(1/6 4 4)
4 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.


COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago
(2/6 9 14)
5 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
9 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.


LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta
(2/6 5 7)
5 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.


DUNLIN Calidris alpina
(2/6 26 28)
26 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.


RED-NECKED PHALAROPE Phalaropus lobatus
(1/6 1 1)
1 juvenile at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.


BROWN-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus
(1/6 1 1)
1 first-winter at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.


BLACK-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus ridibundus
(5/6 400 1115)
400 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. Most were adult-winters & most heading southeast & away from the reservoir very early morning - as if they'd
roosted on Moguhu.
150 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. 110 of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 40 being at Dahaizi reservoir.
185 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
300 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
80 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - 30 on Baitukeng reservoir & 50 on Yawugou reservoir.


PALLAS'S GULL Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus
(5/6 791 2111)
120 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
690, mostly adults with perhaps just five first-years, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
791 near Shihezi on the 14/10/2017 - 191 at Beihu reservoir & 600 on Moguhu.
500 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
10 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - three on Baitukeng reservoir & seven on Yawugou reservoir.


CASPIAN GULL Larus cachinnans
(5/6 359 469)
44 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
28 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017. Five of these were on Xing Hu Ping with the other 23 being at Dahaizi reservoir.
359 at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
10 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
28 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - three on Baitukeng reservoir & 25 on Yawugou reservoir.


CASPIAN TERN Hydroprogne caspia
(2/6 5 7)
5, three adults & two first-years, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.


PALLAS'S SANDGROUSE Syrrhaptes paradoxus
(1/6 2 2)
2 flew southwest over Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.


EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto
(4/6 31 74)
25 t between Moguhu & Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
15 on the 13/10/2017. Eight of these were near Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi.
31 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
3 in Manasi on the 16/10/2017 - two at Baitukeng reservoir & the other at Yawugou reservoir.


LITTLE OWL Athene noctua
(1/6 2 2)
2 single near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first was midway between the village & the desert oasis while the other was at Km 409 on route G216.


COMMON KESTREL Falco tinnunculus
(5/6 4 15)
4, a pair & two singles, at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
4 on the 13/10/2017. The first two were near Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi while the other two were seen from the G30 expressway between Shihezi & Jinghe.
2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
2 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.
3 singles near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.


MERLIN Falco columbarius
(1/6 3 3)
3 in Manasi on the 13/10/2017 - two female-plumaged birds hunting with with ringtail Hen Harrier at Xing Hu Ping & a perched male at Dahaizi reservoir.


SAKER FALCON Falco cherrug VU
(4/6 2 5)
1 at Dahaizi reservoir, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
1 juvenile at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
2 singles near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first was at the desert watchpoint about 10 kilometres south of Kamuste while the other was over Km
408 on route G216. Neither of these appeared to be actively migrating.


PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus
(2/6 1 2)
1 adult at Beihu reservoir, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
1 juvenile at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


ISABELLINE SHRIKE Lanius isabellinus
(1/6 2 2)
2, an adult & a first-winter, loosely associating together in 83 Tuan area near Aibihu, Jinghe on the 13/10/2017.


GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor
(2/6 1 2)
1 apparently subspecies funereus at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. This, the first of the two 'grey shrikes' that we saw today, was photographed.
1 at Km 409 on route G216 south of Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017.


STEPPE GREY SHRIKE Lanius pallidirostris
(3/6 1 3)
1 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017. The second of the two 'grey shrikes' that we saw today this one was also photographed.
1 adult male was seen well at Xing Hu Ping, Manasi on the 13/10/2017.
1 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


HENDERSON'S GROUND JAY Podoces hendersoni
(1/6 3 3)
3 besides route G216 south of Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first, presumably a pair, two were at Km 429.7 In the morning while the other was
further south that there in the late afternoon.


CARRION CROW Corvus corone
(1/6 2 2)
2 besides the G30 expressway between Shihezi & Jinghe on the 13/10/2017.


HOODED CROW Corvus cornix
(1/6 1 1)
1 at Yawugou reservoir, Manasi on the 16/10/2017.


GREAT TIT Parus major
(2/6 2 4)
2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 14/10/2017.
2 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.


AZURE TIT Cyanistes cyanus
(4/6 9 24)
2 widely separate birds were heard at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 12/10/2017.
9 on the 13/10/2017. Seven of these were in Manasi with the first was near Xing Hu Ping & six more were at Dahaizi reservoir. The latter were initially in the
waterside reeds before flying off high to the west.
4 at Moguhu, Shihezi on the 15/10/2017.
9 near Kamuste, Aertai on the 17/10/2017. The first five were in the desert oasis near Kamuste cun while the other four were between Km 408-409 on route
G216.


WHITE-CROWNED PENDULINE TIT Remiz coronatus