Birding in Taiwan 2024 - III

After leaving Guguan谷關 behind, we headed for Dasyueshan大雪山, one of the high mountains in the middle of the island. 

It was above 30 degrees celsius in the lowlands but in the mountains it became chillier. That's the interesting factor for birding in Taiwan because you can see birds living in the subtropical climate and in the high mountains within a short space of time.

It didn't take long till we spotted a gorgeous male Swinhoe's pheasant (sankeiサンケイ) foraging on the edge of the mountain road.

The pheasants are one of the reasons why lots of birders come to Taiwan. So gracious! 

Birds on the wires over the valley

They are Eastern house martins (iwatsubameイワツバメ)!

Many many of house martins were flying under the bridge over the valley.

a mountain view

A Taiwan barbet (goshikichoゴシキチョウ) was in a tree when we looked down over the edge of the road. We couldn't see much of the red part on its body, maybe it was a young one? or just an angle? 

A flock of White-eared sibia (mimijiro-tsumedoriミミジロツメドリ) enjoyed the fruits in trees.

The weather wasn't great for photo-taking but we saw more than I could show here in the posts.