Yunnan Birding Tours in May

May is an exciting time for birdwatching in Yunnan, as many species are active and busy with breeding activities. The pleasant spring weather and diverse landscapes make it an ideal month for observing a wide range of bird species. Below is a detailed guide on the best birding locations, notable species, and practical tips for a fulfilling birdwatching experience in Yunnan during May.

1. Southwest Yunnan – Dehong, Baoshan, and Ruili

盈江犀鸟谷 (Yingjiang Hornbill Valley)

Core Species:

• Double-horned Hornbill and Crested Hornbill are active during the breeding season, with males frequently foraging to feed their young.

• Grey Peacock Pheasant also remains visible.

Notable Experience: Capture exciting scenes of male hornbills bringing lizards, snakes, or other prey to feed their chicks.

Recommended Locations:

• Nabang Town: Look for the Three-toed Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher, and Green-breasted Pitta.

Travel Tips: Hire a local guide (500-700 CNY/day) to enhance your experience. From Mangshi Airport, it’s a 1-hour drive to Yingjiang.

保山百花岭 (Baoshan Baihualing)

Core Species:

• Blood Pheasant, Black-breasted Sunbird, Spotted Spiderhunter.

• These species are still active during May, even though the Blood Pheasant moves to higher altitudes.

Birding Tip: Visit the Lisu People’s Bird Pond, which offers ideal conditions for shooting with a telephoto lens.

2. Kunming and Surroundings

滇池环线 (Dianchi Lake Loop)

Core Species:

• Black-headed Gull is still present in small numbers.

• Pied Avocet can be observed, especially in Wangguan Wetland and Haihong Wetland.

• Bone-headed Crane sightings are common as well.

Birding Tip: Early morning is the best time for waterfowl and shorebird sightings.

鸟塘推荐 (Bird Pond Recommendations)

金龟山基地 (Jinguishan Birdwatching Base):

• Red Kite, White-bellied Pheasant, and migratory forest birds are best observed here.

黄龙箐鸟塘 (Huanglongjing Bird Pond):

• Red-headed Minivet, Blue-throated Sunbird flocks. Use a 600mm telephoto lens to capture them.

市区公园 (City Parks)

金殿公园 (Jindian Park):

• Silver-eared Mesia can be spotted near the greenhouse area.

黑龙潭公园 (Heilongtan Park):

• Kingfishers are abundant here, including the Common Kingfisher and White-throated Kingfisher. It’s a great spot for photography.

3. Other Notable Birding Areas

大理洱源鸟吊山 (Dali Eryuan Bird Ding Mountain)

Core Species:

• Purple Swamphen, Black Stork, and other water birds.

Best Time: Early morning, when the mist offers beautiful photographic opportunities.

丽江老君山 (Lijiang Laojun Mountain)

Core Species:

• Blood Pheasant and Green-winged Dove against the backdrop of mountain rhododendrons.

• These birds are colorful and abundant during May.

Birding Tip: Enjoy the contrast of vibrant birds against the lush greenery and rhododendron flowers.

西双版纳 (Xishuangbanna)

野象谷 (Wild Elephant Valley):

• Green-legged Partridge, Sunbirds, and Flowerpeckers thrive in this tropical rainforest.

• Early mornings are ideal for watching the Green-legged Partridge in the forest underbrush.

植物园 (Botanical Garden):

• Purple-cheeked Sunbird and Giant Nuthatch are common.

4. 实用贴士 (Practical Birdwatching Tips for May)

Equipment

Binoculars: High-quality binoculars with magnification of 8×42 or higher are ideal.

Camera with Telephoto Lens: A 600mm telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing birds in the wild.

Field Guide: Carry a field guide to help with identifying local species and navigating different birding locations.

Clothing

Wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather.

Sturdy walking shoes are a must for navigating rugged terrain.

Insect Repellent

May marks the start of the warmer months, so be sure to carry insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.

Weather Protection

Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Carry a light rain jacket as showers can be frequent in the tropical regions of Yunnan.

Respecting Local Etiquette

Keep Quiet: Speak softly to avoid disturbing the birds.

No Flash Photography: Avoid using flash, which can startle and disturb wildlife.

No Feeding: Do not feed the birds unless directed by a guide.

5. Recommended Birdwatching Locations in Yunnan (May)

Kunming: Cuihu Park (Green Lake Park), Dianchi Lake, Xishan Forest Park.

Qujing: Nianhu Lake Nature Reserve, Daqiao Township.

Baoshan: Gaoligongshan Nature Reserve, Baoshan Birding Areas.

Lijiang: Lashihai Lake, Lijiang Ancient Town.

Puer: XiaoAoZi Coffee Farm, Zhenkang Nansan Hongyan Smart Coffee Plantation.

Zhaotong: Dashanbao Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve.

Dehong: Yingjiang County Birdwatching Sites, Tengchong Volcanic Park.

Nujiang: Nujiang Valley, Gaoligongshan Nature Reserve.

Dali: Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain.

Honghe: Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Jianshui Birding Areas.

Wenshan: Puzhehei Scenic Area, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture.

Xishuangbanna: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Menglun Nature Reserve.

Chuxiong: Zixi Mountain, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture.

Diqing: Shangri-La, Pudacuo National Park.

Lincang: Tea Plantation Birdwatching Areas, Lincang Birding Trails.

May is one of the most rewarding months for birdwatching in Yunnan. The combination of the breeding season, pleasant spring weather, and diverse ecosystems ensures plenty of bird species are active. Whether you’re capturing the Double-horned Hornbill feeding its chicks in Yingjiang, photographing Kingfishers in Kunming, or exploring the tropical landscapes of Xishuangbanna, May offers birdwatchers an unforgettable experience.

By following these tips and visiting the recommended locations, you’ll have the opportunity to witness and photograph a wide variety of Yunnan’s bird species in their natural habitats.