Yunnan Birding Tours in February

February is an excellent time for birdwatching in Yunnan, as it offers a wide range of bird species due to the province’s varied climates and ecosystems. The mild temperatures, especially in the lowlands, make it a prime month for observing wintering birds, migratory species, and those in their courtship or nesting stages. Below is a detailed guide on where to go birdwatching in Yunnan in February, what birds to look for, and some practical tips for a smooth and successful birding experience.

1. 滇西南地区 (Southwest Yunnan) – Dehong, Baoshan, and Ruili

盈江犀鸟谷 (Yingjiang Hornbill Valley)

Core Bird Species: February is the peak time to see rare species like the Double-horned Hornbill and Crested Hornbill, as well as the Grey Peacock Pheasant. The hornbills are actively courting and building nests, making it an ideal time to spot them.

Birding Tips: Early morning is the best time to spot the hornbills. The clear skies provide good visibility for observing their nesting and courtship behaviors.

Recommended 7-Day Itinerary:

Day 1-3: Tengchong North Sea Wetlands → Yingjiang Hornbill Valley → Ruili

• Target Species: Black-necked Crane, Purple Swamphen, Red-legged Falcon, Alexander’s Parrot.

• Travel Tip: From Mangshi Airport, take a 1-hour drive to Yingjiang. Pre-booking a local bird guide (500-700 CNY/day) is recommended for the best experience.

保山百花岭 (Baoshan Baihualing)

Core Bird Species: Blood Pheasant, Black-breasted Sunbird, Brown-capped Laughingthrush, and Grey-headed Woodpecker.

Birding Tip: This area is great for photographing birds, especially near the bird ponds that provide excellent opportunities for capturing species such as the Spot-breasted Parrotbill.

2.  Kunming and Surroundings – A Winter Haven for Migratory Birds

滇池环线 (Dianchi Lake Loop)

Core Species:

• Black-headed Gull: February is the peak season for these gulls, particularly at the Haigeng Dam and Lao Yuhe Wetlands.

• Pied Avocet: Wangguan Wetland and Haihong Wetland are excellent spots for these shorebirds.

• Bone-headed Crane: There has been a 86% increase in numbers, and Wangguan Wetland and Haihong Wetland are ideal spots for observing them.

鸟塘推荐 (Bird Pond Recommendations)

金龟山基地 (Jinguishan Birdwatching Base):

• Target Species: Red Kite, White-bellied Pheasant, and a variety of migrating forest birds.

黄龙箐鸟塘 (Huanglongjing Bird Pond):

• Target Species: Red-headed Minivet, Blue-throated Sunbird, and other migrant species. A 600mm telephoto lens is recommended for best results.

3. Other Notable Birding Areas

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

Core Species:

• Purple Swamphen, Black Stork, and Great Crested Grebe.

Best Time: Early mornings with the misty landscape make for great photographic opportunities. The serene environment also offers a peaceful birdwatching experience.

丽江拉市海 (Lijiang Lashihai Lake)

Core Species:

• Black-necked Crane: Over 30,000 cranes migrate here between December and February.

• Bar-headed Goose: This area is a critical stopover for migratory waterfowl.

Best Time: December-February is the best time for crane sightings.

西双版纳 (Xishuangbanna)

野象谷 (Wild Elephant Valley):

• Target Species: Green-legged Partridge, Sunbirds, Flowerpeckers. The tropical rainforest here attracts a variety of species.

中科院植物园 (Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden):

• Target Species: Purple-cheeked Sunbird, Grey-bellied Shrike, and Giant Nuthatch.

4. Practical Birdwatching Tips for February

Equipment

Binoculars: Ensure your binoculars are good quality, ideally with magnification of 8×42 or higher.

Camera with Telephoto Lens: A 600mm lens is recommended for capturing distant species.

Field Guide: Bring a guide for identifying local species and helping you navigate different birding locations.

Clothing

February can be chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. Layer your clothing to adjust to temperature fluctuations.

• Warm Jackets: Necessary for early morning birdwatching in higher altitudes.

• Non-slip Shoes: To navigate slippery, wet terrains in the wetlands.

Climate Considerations

Kunming: The daytime temperature is between 8-15°C, and it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings.

Yingjiang and Baoshan: The temperature variation can be larger, so bring a windproof jacket to protect against the cold winds.

Respecting Local Etiquette

Keep Quiet: Speak softly to avoid disturbing the birds.

No Flash Photography: Avoid using flash as it can disturb birds, especially during courtship or nesting.

No Feeding: Do not feed the birds unless directed by a guide. Always follow local guidelines to maintain the natural behavior of the birds.

5. Recommended Birdwatching Locations in Yunnan (February)

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.

February is one of the best months for birdwatching in Yunnan. The cool climate and abundance of migratory and resident birds make it a prime time for both amateur and professional birdwatchers. By following the travel tips and visiting the recommended locations, birdwatchers can enjoy a rich and fulfilling experience in Yunnan, with the added benefit of fewer crowds in many birding hotspots.

Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking to explore the biodiversity of Yunnan, this province offers a fantastic array of opportunities to observe and appreciate its avian diversity.