Part 60 - Route from Sanga Chöling to Dewangiri via Tsari and Kyimpu with bird and seed-collecting notes

1 page

SUMMARY:
The party left Sanga Chöling, crossed the Traessen La, traversed high dry country to the Tsari valley, visited Tsobermang, and descended the Tsari Chu to Migyitun, unsuccessfully seeking Sclater's Monal. With flowering largely over by late September, they separated for seed collecting, sending two collectors to Pachakshiri, while returning via Kyimpu where Himalayan Crossbills were abundant. Sherriff collected seed on the main range above Lung, and later L. and the narrator went via Tsana and Tawang to Sakden, where Shanth rejoined at Dewangiri.

CONTENT:
Route

L. Iris H. We left Sanga Chöling again on Aug. 6 and ascended the Char Chu to Shing. We then crossed the Traessen La (16,900) and worked eastwards through unexplored country to the head of the Tsari valley. The country traversed on this part of our journey was very elevated, and lay entirely within the dry zone. The birds met with were mainly those of the plateau, and of no particular interest.

We paid another visit to Tsobermang and then descended the Tsari Chu to Migyitun where we made another effort to obtain specimens of Sclater's Monal, but without success.

It was now the end of Sept., and except for Gentians and a few other plants, the flowering season was over, so we decided to separate again for the seed harvest.

Having sent 2 of our collectors to Pachakshiri, we returned to Sanga Chöling to pick up the remainder of our baggage, and descended the Cha Chu to Kyimpu. Kyimpu lies at the foot of the Le La at an altitude of 13,500 ft. Here in the conifer woods I encountered a bird I have sought in vain for many years. This was the Himalayan Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra himalayensis), another rarity according to the textbooks. Here at Kyimpu however it was very common, feeding in large flocks in larch trees. (Nos 348)

From Kyimpu Sherriff returned to the passes on the main range above Lung and spent a month collecting seed.

L. and I. returned to Tsana and from thence to Sakden via Tawang. From Sakden to Dewangiri where Shanth rejoined them on Nov. 24.