Congratulations, Jocko! Some quality birds in there and a major milestone to hit 1,000 species in China. :t:B
Jocko I'd like to add my congratulations - but have to remind you it's now time for the more serious business of 'operation Swedish cheese to Chengdu' - me and Roland depend on you for that one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You also know that the Monals are Roland's radio-controlled birds - the trip I ran parallel to yours was up on Balang just a few of days before you guys, even though the weather was perfect, didn't get a sniff of any chickens on the upper slopes.
Actually I'm pretty relieved you saw those birds - an August birder who went up with Zeng Zhang reported that the construction workers who have just built that perspex extension to the tunnel (a greenhouse arrangement to help melt the ice that builds up at the end of the tunnel during winter) were hunting on those slopes - they saw them carrying a Marmot carcass to their camp kitchen. With my last two trips not seeing a Monal - I started to speculate whether they'd also hit the wok. Luckily it seems not.
But seriously - well done - they were a tough set of birds you needed, and in such a short time.
Definitely worth reporting the construction workers if they are hunting here - 3 years ago I reported some tragopan hunters that were inside Wolong and the authorities actually removed them that week - very impressive!
Nice to read your report and some great shots Jocko ! We must get together for a chat and a drink (maybe Dev and Anders too ?) as I'd really love to include a Sichuan trip next Spring in the 2015 itinerary (not sure if you are up for it Dev) !
Congrats, Jocko! Which species brought you this achievement?