Memorable moments 2.

Walking in the mountains of Northern China in 2009 was a special experience, the scenery is dramatic to say the least. Soaring peaks above give way to riverine valleys below. Herein there exists a most unusual bird which occupies a narrow and specific ecological niche. Its habitat is very specialized, breeding at high altitudes in river basins where the water flow is slow, preferring these flat areas strewn with pebbles and rounded boulders. These habitats provide the necessary conditions for their nesting and foraging behaviours. They are often found at elevations ranging from 500 to 4,000 meters during the breeding season.
Their varied diet includes insects and their larvae, small crustaceans and fish, which become a more significant part of their diet during the winter months at lower elevations. Their foraging technique is also quite specialized; they use their beaks to probe soft mud, peck at the water’s surface, and rake through gravel to uncover prey. This versatility in foraging behaviour allows them to exploit a variety of food sources throughout the year.
Resembling a bird painted by a whimsical artist, the Ibisbill is characterized by its striking appearance, which includes a long, down-curved beak reminiscent of an Ibis, hence its name.



We were extremely lucky to come across a small group of these lovely birds feeding in a typical habitat highlighted above. This encounter was another very memorable moment for us, as it was I’m sure a once in a lifetime sighting.