Paul Holt from his on-going tour, China: Yunnan Province

We're just five days into our Yunnan tour in south-westernmost China. The weather's been great (as you'd expect at this time of year) and we're just moving on from Yingjiang to the historic town of Tengchong nestled amid an attractive volcanic region. Highlights around Ruili, a thriving town on the China-Myanmar border, included several Stripe-breasted Woodpeckers, two Grey-bellied Wren Babblers, a pair of vociferous Spot-throated Babblers, several gorgeous Scarlet-faced Liocichlas, both Pale-billed and Rufous-headed Parrotbills, Black-breasted Thrush and prolonged looks at a White-gorgeted Flycatcher while star birds near Yingjiang included great looks at three species of hornbill, Collared Myna and a male Grey Peacock-pheasant that we all watched for six minutes! We've also stumbled across Chinese rarities such as an adult Rufous-bellied Hawk-eagle, a party of five Great Slaty Woodpeckers, a female Blossom-headed Parakeet and a solitary Yellow-vented Flowerpecker...

More in a few days...there's been a cooperative Gould's Shortwing at Baihualing where we'll be for three nights from midday tomorrow...

Scarlet-faced Liocichla

Pale-billed Parrotbill

Grey Peacock-pheasant