What’s your favourite hen species?
I might all the time say the Black-throated Tit, not simply because it’s the first hen I recognized within the subject, but in addition just because it’s cute. I’ve a delicate spot for cute passerines.
What’s your identify, and the place do you reside?
My identify is Zhang Zhuyang, however I often go by Bella Zhang when guiding, to make issues simpler. I reside in Chengdu, Sichuan, famously generally known as the hometown of the Big Panda.
What are the principle areas or places you cowl as a hen information?
I information excursions throughout China however primarily deal with the southwestern area. This space is particularly well-liked with worldwide birders as a consequence of its variety and uniqueness of hen species.
Chinese language White-browed Rosefinch
How lengthy have you ever been a hen information?
Technically talking, I began guiding birding excursions in Sichuan in 2019. Nonetheless, birding journeys didn’t totally occupy my schedule till 2020, when the pandemic hit. Earlier than that, I used to be extra targeted on workplace work and guiding a few of our common nature teams. Sadly, the pandemic led to a downturn in enterprise, and we misplaced some guides, however this additionally gave me extra alternatives to work within the subject as a hen information. In abstract, I’ve been guiding birding excursions since 2019 and have become deeply concerned in 2020.
How did you get into hen guiding?
Earlier than turning into a hen information, I labored as a nature information for 3 and a half years. Early in my nature-guiding profession, I used to be launched to birding and rapidly grew to become enthusiastic about it. I like sharing tales about China’s nature and tradition with like-minded folks, and I discover nice satisfaction in serving to shoppers discover the birds they aim. Via steady studying and follow within the subject, I progressively grew to become a certified hen information.
Crested Tit-warbler
What are the facets of being a hen information that you simply like greatest? Which facets do you dislike most?
The perfect a part of being a hen information helps my shoppers get pleasure from birding in their very own method, having informal conversations through the quieter moments, and studying extra concerning the world via their views. Probably the most difficult facet, in my expertise, is coping with folks – whether or not vacationers, birders, or photographers – who don’t perceive or respect wildlife, nature, or different vacationers. This will typically result in conflicts and negativity, making guiding harder. Nonetheless, it additionally gives a novel perspective on the dynamics of birding and nature excursions in China.
What are the highest 5-10 birds in your area that you simply suppose are probably the most attention-grabbing for visiting birders?
That is probably the most tough query, just because there are too many! So I’ll simply go together with my private style (I’ll skip leaf-warblers, not as a result of I don’t like them, however as a result of the web site proprietor Kai Pflug is biased in opposition to them. He not too long ago printed an article criticizing leaf-warblers, learn right here). To start with, our brand hen – the Sichuan Jay. Then, I’d say the Crested Tit-Warbler and White-browed Tit-Warbler—when you see the pictures, you’ll perceive my selection.
White-browed Tit-warbler
For the remaining spots, I might select the Grandala, Przevalski’s Pinktail, Firethroat, Gray-hooded Parrotbill, Gold-fronted Fulvetta, and Chinese language White-browed Rosefinch. I may additionally reserve a spot for one “hen,” the Chinese language Monal (apologies for the darkish humor).
Chinese language Monal
Are you able to define not less than one typical birdwatching journey in your space? Please briefly describe the places, the important thing birds, and the approximate length of such a visit
One among our hottest excursions is the traditional Sichuan birding journey in June, which lasts between 14 to twenty days and gives the chance to see round 300 species. This journey covers numerous habitats and contains many particular species, notably some beautiful summer time breeders. Key places on the itinerary embrace Wawu Mountain, Balang Mountain, Mengbi Mountain, Ruoergai Grassland, Baxi Forest, and Tangjiahe NNR. Through the journey, you’ll encounter all kinds of pheasants, parrotbills, laughingthrushes, rosefinches, snowfinches, leaf-warblers, and extra.
Grandala
What different recommendations are you able to give to birders inquisitive about your space? (for instance, what to convey, which season to decide on, and so forth.)
China is mostly secure for vacationers, so there’s no want to fret about security. Nonetheless, be ready for potential language obstacles and the prevalence of cashless transactions.
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is inquisitive about birding with you, how can they greatest contact you?
One of the simplest ways is to e-mail us at information@alpinebirding.com.
Przevalski’s Pinktail
Is there anything you want to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
Maintain studying the attention-grabbing tales right here!