Birding close to Lhasa - altitude acclimatization

Not far from the centre of Lhasa lies the wetland Lalou Dhamra. Today we carried out a census in parts of this 6.4 square km area. It was in a rather relaxed tempo. I'm regularly reminded of the altitude physically.

Just before entering the site we had two Grey-backed Shrikes along the road. When parking the car on the northern side of the wetland, several Citrine Wagtails and Hoopoes welcomed us. Citrine Wagtails and Oriental Skylarks were the most typical and numerous species today. Also very rewarding was three Himalayan Griffon Vultures soaring above the hills. This is the species that the Tibetan people use for their sky burials. Apparently there was a dead Yak in the mountains, and I guess the Vultures were dribbling for a bite of that one. Two Red-billed Choughs were also a new experience for me, as were some Russet Sparrows in a group of Eurasian Tree Sparrows. The local varieties of birds include Black Redstarts of the subspecies rufiventris and Twites (subspecies rufostrigata). The White Wagtails are a fine mixture of the subspecies leucopsis and alboides.

Citrine Wagtail - Lalou Dhamra, Lhasa, Tibet 25 September 2004.

Black redstart Phoenicurus ochruros rufiventris sitting on the barbwire surrounding parts of the wetland in Lalou Dhamra, Lhasa, Tibet 25 September 2004.

Hoopoe - Lalou Dhamra, Lhasa, Tibet 25 September 2004.

Hoopoe - Lalou Dhamra, Lhasa, Tibet 25 September 2004.

Contact

Reach out for prints or collaborations by using the contact form

All content © Frode Falkenberg

Gallery shortcuts

• Flies

• Beetles

• Slugs and snails

• Moths and butterflies

• Damselflies and dragonflies

• Spiders and allies

• Birds

• Mammals

• Reptiles and amphibians