Photo Gallery
Paul French
![We begin by exploring an area close to the capital where we get a taste of things to come with such gems as the delightful Azure Tit.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029801496_9b1eb1e844_b.jpg?)
We begin by exploring an area close to the capital where we get a taste of things to come with such gems as the delightful Azure Tit.
![Or perhaps an Amur Falcon.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4357%2F36219706472_3877ea9a5e_b.jpg?)
Or perhaps an Amur Falcon.
![...and there are also tricky hybrid thrushes - this is a Dusky x Naumann's, Thrush hybrid.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029788576_4e3d4d2b0c_b.jpg?)
…and there are also tricky hybrid thrushes - this is a Dusky x Naumann’s, Thrush hybrid.
![Hustai National Park is the only place on the tour where we'll see the ancient Przewalski's Horse.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48178688732_9f23262530_b.jpg?)
Hustai National Park is the only place on the tour where we’ll see the ancient Przewalski’s Horse.
![It is also a great location for what is surely the best lark in the World - Mongolian Lark.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029831303_b47e90eb96_b.jpg?)
It is also a great location for what is surely the best lark in the World - Mongolian Lark.
![...and Blyth's Pipit is common in areas of hills with longer grasses.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029905222_976417a391_b.jpg?)
…and Blyth’s Pipit is common in areas of hills with longer grasses.
![Demoiselle Cranes are widespread, their long drooping tertials forming a characteristic silhouette...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48178816612_0598ffb5ac_b.jpg?)
Demoiselle Cranes are widespread, their long drooping tertials forming a characteristic silhouette…
![The Ger camps attract migrants in a tree-less landscape - here a Lanceolated Warbler hunts for food at the base of a Ger.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F1878%2F29852625647_97c521b935_b.jpg?)
The Ger camps attract migrants in a tree-less landscape - here a Lanceolated Warbler hunts for food at the base of a Ger.
![We then visit a series of superb wetlands, each holding an array of birds.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029798461_85e178e480_b.jpg?)
We then visit a series of superb wetlands, each holding an array of birds.
![And where we hope to find the rare Relict Gull](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48178604616_5e3d3cbeec_b.jpg?)
And where we hope to find the rare Relict Gull
![White-naped Cranes breed in the extensive reedbeds,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F364%2F18945021249_26dfd94b55_b.jpg?)
White-naped Cranes breed in the extensive reedbeds,
![While clouds of White-winged Black Terns feed over the wet grassland.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029885707_4e914a84b7_b.jpg?)
While clouds of White-winged Black Terns feed over the wet grassland.
![There will be masses of shorebirds, including Asiatic Dowitchers](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48178898887_12b907f0cc_b.jpg?)
There will be masses of shorebirds, including Asiatic Dowitchers
![and there are always surprises, such as this Baillon's Crake parading in the open,...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48178814406_f7e240e9df_b.jpg?)
and there are always surprises, such as this Baillon’s Crake parading in the open,…
![and a sighting of the white-headed form of Western Yellow Wagtail is always a treat.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48178736232_f8302c7763_b.jpg?)
and a sighting of the white-headed form of Western Yellow Wagtail is always a treat.
![The wetlands attract raptors such as this Eastern Marsh Harrier.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4439%2F35990769520_d49db10874_b.jpg?)
The wetlands attract raptors such as this Eastern Marsh Harrier.
![Or a wandering immature Pallas's Fish Eagle](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4345%2F36250276401_8118e7eaf2_b.jpg?)
Or a wandering immature Pallas’s Fish Eagle
![Our tour takes us along the road less travelled.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029903407_a4d1602149_b.jpg?)
Our tour takes us along the road less travelled.
![We use a small fleet of 4x4 vehicles enabling us to reach places other vehicles cannot, such as high on Ikh Bodg with the water of Orog Nuur in the distance.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029896337_95428f0047_b.jpg?)
We use a small fleet of 4x4 vehicles enabling us to reach places other vehicles cannot, such as high on Ikh Bodg with the water of Orog Nuur in the distance.
![In this setting we see birds we would otherwise miss such as the Khangai Asian Rosy Finch.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48178758187_93594bdd25_b.jpg?)
In this setting we see birds we would otherwise miss such as the Khangai Asian Rosy Finch.
![Where there are no ger camps, we'll have our own camp with tents tall enough to stand in, all prepared in advance by our ground crew.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029796966_1486ace272_b.jpg?)
Where there are no ger camps, we’ll have our own camp with tents tall enough to stand in, all prepared in advance by our ground crew.
![Who also prepare some amazing food.....](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48178494751_a8c6067dfa_b.jpg?)
Who also prepare some amazing food…..
![...served in some stunning settings, such as here on the shores of Orog Nuur](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029901377_5c6ee78a38_b.jpg?)
…served in some stunning settings, such as here on the shores of Orog Nuur
![Our journey through Mongolia takes us to some wonderful locations in search of birds.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029842023_bc74ed70f2_b.jpg?)
Our journey through Mongolia takes us to some wonderful locations in search of birds.
![And we pass through some awe-inspiring scenery](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48041550426_542350caea_b.jpg?)
And we pass through some awe-inspiring scenery
![Where we see some highly sort-after species such as Henderson's Ground Jay,..](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4417%2F36219348192_aeb54c0c34_b.jpg?)
Where we see some highly sort-after species such as Henderson’s Ground Jay,..
![Pallas's Sandgrouse, which can occur in big flocks, ..](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48178624416_6cfa434cea_b.jpg?)
Pallas’s Sandgrouse, which can occur in big flocks, ..
![the elegant Oriental Plover,...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029787716_89e59f44c8_b.jpg?)
the elegant Oriental Plover,…
![...and Saxaul Sparrow](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5537%2F14109619570_3ece9ac83b_b.jpg?)
…and Saxaul Sparrow
![The vast open steppe is home to the mighty Steppe Eagle,...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4376%2F36386717135_a22bc154b9_b.jpg?)
The vast open steppe is home to the mighty Steppe Eagle,…
![and the powerful Saker Falcon.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4440%2F36250226971_45382fb103_b.jpg?)
and the powerful Saker Falcon.
![The ger camps we use often have small trees and bushes, which in this sea of grass act as a magnet for migrants...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F381%2F20304305992_24603811e6_b.jpg?)
The ger camps we use often have small trees and bushes, which in this sea of grass act as a magnet for migrants…
![including such gems as the tiny Pallas's Leaf Warbler....](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029829343_878ac8fa4a_b.jpg?)
including such gems as the tiny Pallas’s Leaf Warbler….
![and Little Bunting.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029790441_88a62c4906_b.jpg?)
and Little Bunting.
![This gathering of migrants will not go unoticed by a passing Japanese Sparrowhawk](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4425%2F36250468571_38168f7faf_b.jpg?)
This gathering of migrants will not go unoticed by a passing Japanese Sparrowhawk
![As well as migrants, the many of the camps also have a pair or two of Daurian Shrikes breeding.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4396%2F35990812570_edb496ef39_b.jpg?)
As well as migrants, the many of the camps also have a pair or two of Daurian Shrikes breeding.
![Away from the plains birding in the hills brings a new group of birds. This is Yolyn Am, the aptly-named Valley of the Vultures](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48041657017_686004962b_b.jpg?)
Away from the plains birding in the hills brings a new group of birds. This is Yolyn Am, the aptly-named Valley of the Vultures
![Haunt of the mighty Lammergeier](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4332%2F36250434511_f649d0b2c6_b.jpg?)
Haunt of the mighty Lammergeier
![And where the Wallcreepers can be very confiding.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F1899%2F44058543924_1a560056ee_b.jpg?)
And where the Wallcreepers can be very confiding.
![And where we see the rare Koslov's Accentor, a bird restricted to western and southern Mongolia](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4331%2F36250459661_cd368bd652_b.jpg?)
And where we see the rare Koslov’s Accentor, a bird restricted to western and southern Mongolia
![Heading north we start to leave to steppe behind as we enter the vast taiga forest](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029781361_c5d7dd9757_b.jpg?)
Heading north we start to leave to steppe behind as we enter the vast taiga forest
![Our final stop is the wonderful Jalman Meadows Ger camp](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F52622849212_858f85799d_b.jpg?)
Our final stop is the wonderful Jalman Meadows Ger camp
![Where the inside of the gers are decorated and kept nice and warm with a small stove](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F8872%2F28266693206_604fddc0cc_b.jpg?)
Where the inside of the gers are decorated and kept nice and warm with a small stove
![The riparian woodland of the nearby Tuul Gol river is home to a host of special birds,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029784186_9588782956_b.jpg?)
The riparian woodland of the nearby Tuul Gol river is home to a host of special birds,
![Such as the beautiful Siberian Rubythroat,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4416%2F36250183051_052516a46c_b.jpg?)
Such as the beautiful Siberian Rubythroat,
![and Black-faced Bunting, which is reasonably common.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48178850007_1cf87231ec_b.jpg?)
and Black-faced Bunting, which is reasonably common.
![Gloriously pink-headed, the Long-tailed Rosefinch is a favourite of this woodland.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48178659481_7895f6f5b4_b.jpg?)
Gloriously pink-headed, the Long-tailed Rosefinch is a favourite of this woodland.
![The real star of the area is the rare Black-billed Capercaillie, here a female froze on a branch for us all to admire.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48178791476_7995deb7d7_b.jpg?)
The real star of the area is the rare Black-billed Capercaillie, here a female froze on a branch for us all to admire.
![And no tour to Mongolia would be complete without a visit to the massive statue of the man whose blood runs through the country, Chinggis Khan](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48178563272_01e1d23fe2_b.jpg?)
And no tour to Mongolia would be complete without a visit to the massive statue of the man whose blood runs through the country, Chinggis Khan
![Who watches the sun set on the mighty empire he once ruled](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48029839073_6548ece0db_b.jpg?)
Who watches the sun set on the mighty empire he once ruled