Photo Gallery
Steve Rooke, Paul French, Paul Holt, Fabrice Schmitt
![Our tour starts in the modern and very green capital city of Tashkent](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52668268244_b449df1c8b_b.jpg?)
Our tour starts in the modern and very green capital city of Tashkent
![And we begin our birding wth a visit to the mountains close by](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52645371330_e4039aa0d0_o.jpg?)
And we begin our birding wth a visit to the mountains close by
![The mature juniper trees here are home to Rufous-naped Tit, the only place on the tour where we see this Himalayan species](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52644933481_a480575245_b.jpg?)
The mature juniper trees here are home to Rufous-naped Tit, the only place on the tour where we see this Himalayan species
![Other birds here include the perky Yellow-breasted Tit,....](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5127%2F5256033504_a868f8e208_b.jpg?)
Other birds here include the perky Yellow-breasted Tit,….
![While overhead there is a good chance of seeing a mighty Himalayan Vulture](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F922%2F42775342434_dbbb67406f_b.jpg?)
While overhead there is a good chance of seeing a mighty Himalayan Vulture
![Or a migrant Crested Honey Buzzard](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F1810%2F29619765928_8d1f90aa9b_b.jpg?)
Or a migrant Crested Honey Buzzard
![Following the Silk Road we reach the ancient city of Bukhara where the Kalen minaret dominates the skyline](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52645187839_5d0488a421_o.jpg?)
Following the Silk Road we reach the ancient city of Bukhara where the Kalen minaret dominates the skyline
![The city is famous for it's rug-making, an art still practised today](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F7109%2F7067535717_703265ae75_b.jpg?)
The city is famous for it’s rug-making, an art still practised today
![along with many other crafts.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F7202%2F6921391884_206c399ac3_b.jpg?)
along with many other crafts.
![The oasis city lies on the edge of the Kyzl-kum desert, a mix of saxual groves and sand dunes.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52645187834_e8e57738e7_b.jpg?)
The oasis city lies on the edge of the Kyzl-kum desert, a mix of saxual groves and sand dunes.
![This is by far the best place to see Pander's Ground-jay, one of the most sought-after birds on the tour](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F1785%2F43493392581_a3a173525c_b.jpg?)
This is by far the best place to see Pander’s Ground-jay, one of the most sought-after birds on the tour
![Its striking black and white plumage makes it fairly easy to pick up.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52645187819_cfd5030bbe_o.jpg?)
Its striking black and white plumage makes it fairly easy to pick up.
![Eurasian Roller is very common along the roadsides.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4287%2F34766611900_c0bf293dbb_b.jpg?)
Eurasian Roller is very common along the roadsides.
![And this desert is a great place to see Menetries's Warbler.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5195%2F7067528113_d20b1cd898_b.jpg?)
And this desert is a great place to see Menetries’s Warbler.
![The small roadside tea houses attract migrants such as Thrush Nightingale](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4204%2F35153297865_1019b8e181_b.jpg?)
The small roadside tea houses attract migrants such as Thrush Nightingale
![Bukhara is an oasis town and the wetlands nearby hold Marbled Teal](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52668480328_7f5cd2e723_b.jpg?)
Bukhara is an oasis town and the wetlands nearby hold Marbled Teal
![and White-tailed Plover](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F7263%2F6921426600_289260c523_b.jpg?)
and White-tailed Plover
![From here we 'take the Golden Road to Samarkand' where the majestic Registan is testament to its illustrious past](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F7130%2F7067487523_3886a6a6d0_b.jpg?)
From here we ‘take the Golden Road to Samarkand’ where the majestic Registan is testament to its illustrious past
![We'll take time to explore this fascinating place.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5049%2F5255418627_3d40f42581_b.jpg?)
We’ll take time to explore this fascinating place.
![And many other sights such as the remarkable Street of Tombs](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F7089%2F7067493037_800a9638a5_b.jpg?)
And many other sights such as the remarkable Street of Tombs
![Our birding will take to the hills south of the city from where we can just see the distant Pamir mountains](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5243%2F5255419047_ec433619c5_b.jpg?)
Our birding will take to the hills south of the city from where we can just see the distant Pamir mountains
![Here almost every bush has a male Red-headed Bunting, their jangling song a constant backdrop](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5286%2F5256033902_4a2a6e994b_b.jpg?)
Here almost every bush has a male Red-headed Bunting, their jangling song a constant backdrop
![This is a fantastic place for birds - Turkestan Shrike is common.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F1761%2F42588128055_006ba88af9_b.jpg?)
This is a fantastic place for birds - Turkestan Shrike is common.
![Upcher's Warbler will be freshly arrived from its East African wintering grounds](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F2890%2F33456915974_0ff1acb106_b.jpg?)
Upcher’s Warbler will be freshly arrived from its East African wintering grounds
![as will the smart White-throated Robin](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5288%2F5255421205_a7ac41d0d2_b.jpg?)
as will the smart White-throated Robin
![Wheatears include the scarce Finsch's Wheatear,....](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F1785%2F42774973854_63b5e42ee6_b.jpg?)
Wheatears include the scarce Finsch’s Wheatear,….
![...and the similar Pied Wheatear, here one of the rare 'vittata' forms](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F1808%2F42776869444_352ff2fd84_b.jpg?)
…and the similar Pied Wheatear, here one of the rare ‘vittata’ forms
![We should also see Eastern Rock Nuthatch, usually located by their loud piping call](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4261%2F34766614360_ff891259f2_b.jpg?)
We should also see Eastern Rock Nuthatch, usually located by their loud piping call
![And there is always a chance of a Lammergeier drifting overhead](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F8407%2F29446747080_bb8fc9435c_b.jpg?)
And there is always a chance of a Lammergeier drifting overhead
![Leaving Uzbekistan we arrive in Kazakhstan and drive north to our camp in the Taukum Desert, possibly passing miles of steppe smothered in poppies if the rains have been good](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5122%2F5255384745_bccfb536a1_b.jpg?)
Leaving Uzbekistan we arrive in Kazakhstan and drive north to our camp in the Taukum Desert, possibly passing miles of steppe smothered in poppies if the rains have been good
![We'll stop on the way to look for White-headed Ducks and other waterbirds](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F1781%2F42776075364_ea9b7fb2e1_b.jpg?)
We’ll stop on the way to look for White-headed Ducks and other waterbirds
![and we should certainly see clouds of Rose-coloured Starlings](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5322%2F6921438750_17d115bdd9_b.jpg?)
and we should certainly see clouds of Rose-coloured Starlings
![Being traditionally a nomadic people, our agents in Kazkhstan know how to camp and we have two comfortable nights under canvas, surrounded by birds](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F927%2F41686174170_f853bf197e_b.jpg?)
Being traditionally a nomadic people, our agents in Kazkhstan know how to camp and we have two comfortable nights under canvas, surrounded by birds
![Where we can chat about the day's sightings around the camp fire](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F833%2F43493852501_dc3dcdf1de_b.jpg?)
Where we can chat about the day’s sightings around the camp fire
![North of the Taukum Desert lies the Illi River Delta, fringed by Turanga woodland](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5001%2F5255419581_4c39184965_b.jpg?)
North of the Taukum Desert lies the Illi River Delta, fringed by Turanga woodland
![This is the habitat for the little-known Yellow-eyed Stock Dove,...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F7048%2F7067528935_734747b6d9_b.jpg?)
This is the habitat for the little-known Yellow-eyed Stock Dove,…
![..the dapper Saxaul Sparrow,...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F7233%2F6921420464_99681f904e_b.jpg?)
..the dapper Saxaul Sparrow,…
![...White-winged Woodpecker,...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4224%2F34308090484_19a70279be_b.jpg?)
…White-winged Woodpecker,…
![...and if we are lucky, Striated Scops Owl](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F7111%2F6921445126_e19a89b79b_b.jpg?)
…and if we are lucky, Striated Scops Owl
![We'll spend some time birding close to our camp](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F7113%2F7067522213_6572c70d2c_b.jpg?)
We’ll spend some time birding close to our camp
![An area full of thousands of larks of various species, including Bimaculated Lark](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F7200%2F7067508011_18072c8bae_b.jpg?)
An area full of thousands of larks of various species, including Bimaculated Lark
![And small waterholes attract Black-bellied Sandgrouse.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F839%2F29619180268_4970a75424_b.jpg?)
And small waterholes attract Black-bellied Sandgrouse.
![And there is usually a pair of Caspian Plovers nearby](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F3688%2F9493656935_9def347e1b_o.jpg?)
And there is usually a pair of Caspian Plovers nearby
![We then move to the open plains east of Almaty. The sense of space is exhilirating!](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52668268404_ba56dc7006_o.jpg?)
We then move to the open plains east of Almaty. The sense of space is exhilirating!
![which are bisected by the Charyn River gorge](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52668480268_8e3e7ef96f_b.jpg?)
which are bisected by the Charyn River gorge
![The low vegetation here is where we find Asian Desert Warbler](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49198580648_e0842b0b11_b.jpg?)
The low vegetation here is where we find Asian Desert Warbler
![And we visit a small colony of Lesser Kestrels](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F917%2F42775192134_cd03a6e539_b.jpg?)
And we visit a small colony of Lesser Kestrels
![These plains are favoured by Pallas's Sandgrouse, eruptive visitors from the steppes of Mongolia](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52668480093_19c06ed685_b.jpg?)
These plains are favoured by Pallas’s Sandgrouse, eruptive visitors from the steppes of Mongolia
![Any source of water is a magnet for birds, such as Asian Crimson-winged Finch,...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52667979261_6ef7e28abd_b.jpg?)
Any source of water is a magnet for birds, such as Asian Crimson-winged Finch,…
![or Grey-necked Bunting](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52667481572_86a3ef98c3_b.jpg?)
or Grey-necked Bunting
![We then turn our attention to the snow-capped Tien Shan mountains.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52667481567_818c86fcdd_b.jpg?)
We then turn our attention to the snow-capped Tien Shan mountains.
![The dark forests of Tien Shan Spruce give way to juniper scrub and flower-filled meadows.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52668480308_6233d95a07_b.jpg?)
The dark forests of Tien Shan Spruce give way to juniper scrub and flower-filled meadows.
![The gravel bars of the lake are the haunt of a special bird.....](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52668268479_e28985f32d_o.jpg?)
The gravel bars of the lake are the haunt of a special bird…..
![the enigmatic Ibisbill](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52668593898_25451eb7b4_b.jpg?)
the enigmatic Ibisbill
![and also the White-throated Dipper](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F925%2F42588029075_d3863d79e3_b.jpg?)
and also the White-throated Dipper
![We have plenty to look at up here, such as Red-fronted Serins,....](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4190%2F34141046402_6b8d22862e_b.jpg?)
We have plenty to look at up here, such as Red-fronted Serins,….
![Eversmann's Redstart](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52667979231_fbf1e41dc8_b.jpg?)
Eversmann’s Redstart
![Sulphur-bellied Warbler,....](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F1767%2F43444974162_dca4361599_b.jpg?)
Sulphur-bellied Warbler,….
![and perhaps best of all, the gorgeous Severtzov's Tit Warbler](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5036%2F6921446950_40672e333c_b.jpg?)
and perhaps best of all, the gorgeous Severtzov’s Tit Warbler
![Moving to the very tops we will scan for Himalayan Snowcock, their eerie calls echoing around the peaks](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F915%2F43443528742_ac188ae979_b.jpg?)
Moving to the very tops we will scan for Himalayan Snowcock, their eerie calls echoing around the peaks
![We will be well above the tree line, and on the look out for Altai Accentor,...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F7186%2F7067495159_f9e9b76236_b.jpg?)
We will be well above the tree line, and on the look out for Altai Accentor,…
![and the striking Guldenstadt's Redstart.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4887%2F45431555435_5595f56327_b.jpg?)
and the striking Guldenstadt’s Redstart.
![To bring our Silk Road adventure to a close we travel to Kazakhstan's futuristic new capital, Nur-sultan](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F7320%2F9243671228_1522b69e88_b.jpg?)
To bring our Silk Road adventure to a close we travel to Kazakhstan’s futuristic new capital, Nur-sultan
![Which sits in the vast northern steppe, a sea of grass dotted with lakes](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52667979206_0b919d2861_b.jpg?)
Which sits in the vast northern steppe, a sea of grass dotted with lakes
![Where Demoiselle Cranes stride through the cotton grass](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52668414340_193580ecc6_o.jpg?)
Where Demoiselle Cranes stride through the cotton grass
![and Bluethroats sing from damp hollows.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4236%2F34766617800_b7698f4f35_b.jpg?)
and Bluethroats sing from damp hollows.
![There will be groups of Ruff with males in full breeding plumage performing their leks](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F1785%2F41685346610_96276791d7_b.jpg?)
There will be groups of Ruff with males in full breeding plumage performing their leks
![while Black-winged Pratincoles skim overhead](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F917%2F29619125948_0394e250d9_b.jpg?)
while Black-winged Pratincoles skim overhead
![and Red-footed Falcons keep watch from roadside bushes.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F836%2F43493308101_fe2be9f899_b.jpg?)
and Red-footed Falcons keep watch from roadside bushes.
![The steppe is home to two excellent larks - the large Black Lark, this one a male,...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5332%2F7067508735_9f4e357090_b.jpg?)
The steppe is home to two excellent larks - the large Black Lark, this one a male,…
![and the delightful White-winged Lark which sing high up in clear blue skies.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4278%2F34308090924_7e579d9e7e_b.jpg?)
and the delightful White-winged Lark which sing high up in clear blue skies.
![One of the many highlights of this region are the rare Sociable Plovers](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F3711%2F14296264535_096448e69c_b.jpg?)
One of the many highlights of this region are the rare Sociable Plovers
![After a final steppe sunset, we'll begin our journeys home](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52668268259_60be3b1396_b.jpg?)
After a final steppe sunset, we’ll begin our journeys home