10,000 Birds

JANUARY 9, 2013

This gull is closely related to, and necessary to separate from, the Black-headed Gull , a bird familiar to any birder from Europe (or even just anyone from Europe!). The Brown-headed Gull is a bird of Asia, breeding from Turkmenistan to Mongolia, and winters along the coasts of Asia. Notice the white iris.

Turkmenistan 153

Turkmenistan Mongolia Asia Europe 153

10,000 Birds

JULY 16, 2020

A Field Guide to the Birds of Mongolia by Dorj Ganbold and Chris Smith (2019) offers more than 500 species in one neat edition. While at the National University of Mongolia, he conducted research on illustrating birds in the field, including at bird-ringing stations. Dorj Ganbold is an ornithologist and professional illustrator.

Mongolia 268

Mongolia Falcons Birds 2019 268

10,000 Birds

MARCH 7, 2017

The Golden Eagle Festival in Olgii (also called Bayan-Ulgii), Mongolia, is full of color and sound. In Act 3, the scene changes from town and crowds to the vast wilderness of far western Mongolia. Hunting in western Mongolia; left to right: Aisholpan’s father, Nurgaiv and Aisholpan and their Golden Eagles.

Eagles 101

Eagles Mongolia Hunters Hunting 101

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 21, 2016

I am not entirely sure whether most birders outside Germany know or realize that Germany still has a decent population of one of Europe’s most attractive and desired bird species: the Great Bustard Otis tarda.

Germany 101

Germany Abandon Abandoning Abandonment 101

10,000 Birds

JUNE 22, 2023

If such human food is not available, the Yellow-billed Chough goes back to its original diet of (at least in Europe) grasshoppers, as described here. BirdingAsia has a report on the first Rosy Pipit seen in Mongolia. At least the second name hints at the higher elevation status of the Yellow-billed Chough.

Birds 130

Birds China Science Research 130

10,000 Birds

MARCH 2, 2023

While mainly an Asian bird, the Red-flanked Bluetail has recently been seen in parts of Europe (particularly Finland and Scotland) more frequently, indicating a possible range extension ( source ). ” At Tianmashan, one can almost always hear Grey-capped Greenfinches.

Birds 130

Birds Iraq China Ireland 130

10,000 Birds

MAY 1, 2016

Baicalensis inhabits southern Siberia around lake Baikal and ranges into the northern half of Mongolia. Now, if you quickly call to mind the pattern of Asian species reaching Europe as vagrants, you will remember that most are from Siberia. Any other region, even central Asia, scarcely provides us with vagrants here in Europe.

Germany 100

Germany Sharks Morocco Europe 100