Part 51 - High-altitude flora and fauna notes; probable Meconopsis superba

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SUMMARY:
The diarist records a snow partridge at the top, unexpected butterflies at high elevation, and several birds including finches (as at Narim Thang), a white-necked blackbird, a grey crested tit, and a red-billed chough amid cold, windy conditions. They note Meconopsis grandis in seed, abundant gentian (no. 1169), and a probable occurrence of M. superba—previously recorded only from Kyu La—with plans to collect its seed.

CONTENT:
results are coming as far as the map is concerned. Coming up I saw nothing much of interest, but at the top was within four yards of a snow partridge (Lerwa lerwa). Then was surprised to see butterflies out at that height. One was seen at the very top and later on I caught 3 further down. Here they are hatching out and quite common. There must be a fine sight of Meconopsis here in summer. M. grandis I saw in seed, and took some. Another with a winter stock of leaves was common, and the local says it was white. It so it must be M. superba, and that would be very interesting as it has only been recorded from the one place in the Kyu La. I am pretty sure that this is superba, and will make arrangements to collect its seed. The little gentian 1169 is everywhere now, and looks very pretty when seen massed together. The same finches as we got at Narim Thang are here in fair numbers (Propasser thura). There is still a wind here and it is beastly cold in it. I can't get out of it either. Other birds seen are the white necked blackbird, a little grey crested tit, with a white collar, light buff underneath, and the red billed chough. I heard sparrows today, but