Birding in Lanzhou City
Lanzhou, the provincial capital of Gansu Province and a major city in northwest China, sits at the geographical center of China with a total population of 3.6 million. Situating on the upper reaches of the Yellower River, Lanzhou has an average sea elevation of 1,500 meters with the Yellow River running across the city. As an important city for the communications between the West and East on the ancient Silk Road, Lanzhou has lots of historic sites and is an important tour destination in China.
As an important city on the Loess Plateau, Lanzhou City is located in the temperate zone and enjoys a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold and dry winters. Being on the migratory route and the dry weather condition have made this city an important place for birders. The Yellow River beaches are an important place to see passing migratory birds while the parks and university campuses inside the city are also good places for birding.
Some Important Birding Sites in Lanzhou
Yellow River Beaches
Along the Yellow River, the reeds and grasses grown on the river beaches provide excellent habitats for birds. Just from the roadside by the river, you will have a good chance to see some birds such as Ruddy Shelduck, Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Smew, Great Crested Grebe, Pallas's Gull, Common Tern, Grey-backed Shrike, Azure-winged Magpie, Oriental Reed Warbler, Light-vented Bulbul, Silver-throated Tit, Pere David's Laughingthrush, Daurian Redstart, Black Redstart, Citrine Wagtail, etc.
Graduate School of Lanzhou University
Located in the noisy downtown Lanzhou, the Graduate School of Lanzhou University has a peaceful campus. In the forest by the side of the University Library, we have chance to see some birds such as Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Eurasian Cuckoo, Eurasian Collared Dove, Azure-winged Magpie, Red-billed Chough, Pere David's Laughingthrush, Chestnut Thrush, Blue Rock Thrush, Meadow Bunting, Pale Rosefinch, etc.
Yuzhong Campus of Lanzhou University
Situating about 47km from the downtown Lanzhou, you need to drive about one hour to get there. On the Cuiying Hill located by the side of the campus, we have a chance to see Pale Rosefinch, Rusty-necklaced Partridge (Przevalski's Partridge), Hill Pigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Peregrine Falcon, Black-naped Oriole, Grey-backed Shrike, Red-billed Chough, Light-vented Bulbul, Pere David's Laughingthrush, White-cheeked Starling, Black Redstart, Oriental Greenfinch, Godlewski's Bunting, Meadow Bunting, etc.
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