Rockjumper’s early summer tour of China (Yunnan and Sichuan) kicked off superbly with an immensely successful Yunnan Extension.

Red-tailed Laughingthrush by Rich Lindie

The birding was excellent and the group managed to score a healthy number of range-restricted and rare species. Highlights included the scarce and impressive Giant Nuthatch, the extremely localised Yunnan Nuthatch, Silver Pheasant, several outstanding male and female Lady Amherst’s Pheasants, Rufous-throated, Hill and Mountain Bamboo Partridges, the unique and endemic Rufous-tailed Babbler (Moupinia), superb Black-breasted and Chinese Thrushes, the uncommon and range-restricted Black-bibbed Tit, Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler, Black-browed Bushtit, Yellow-throated, Rusty-capped, Spectacled and Yunnan Fulvetta, Chinese Babax, the rare and exquisite Red-tailed Laughingthrush, unusually cooperative and showy Scarlet-faced Liocichla, Black-headed and Beautiful Sibia, Black-throated (Grey-cheeked) and Brown-winged Parrotbills, localised Black-headed Greenfinch, the scarce Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker, the attractive Godlewski’s and Yellow-throated Buntings, Fujian Niltava and Spot-winged Grosbeak, amongst many other fabulous Asian birds.

Mountain Bamboo Partridge by Rich Lindie

Red-billed Blue Magpie by Rich Lindie