Part 173 - To LAGNABI (ROCHA VALLEY) and camp east of Thibi La; bird collecting and Lilium observations

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SUMMARY:
Travel from Tyangsi to LAGNABI (Rocha Valley) with notes on an alternate route to Tawang, oak and Pinus longifolia forest, abundant Lilium giganteum, bird collecting success, and presence of snakes but few leeches. The next day they camp east of the Thibi La at 11,389 ft; Ludlow and the diarist set off early as mist forms from cumulus clouds.

CONTENT:
everything ready and comfortable.

9th Sept. To LAGNABI (ROCHA VALLEY) 4 miles 8047'. (BP 198° Temp 75°). This valley lies to the east of Tyangsi, and comes down pretty well due east. The path is fairly good and seems to be used often. This route is said to be a way to Tawang if the other one fails. Ascent is steady but easy. The jungle is mostly oak, with a number of Pinus longifolia mixed among them. Near camp there are a great number of L. giganteum, but seeds and bulbs are not yet ready. This is a good place for birds. In a few hours we managed to get 3 Pnoepygas, 1 Tesia, 1 Sylviparus, 1 new Yuhina and two Grammatoptila. There are no leeches, or so few as not to worry us at all. But there are some snakes, as I found this afternoon. Lilium giganteum is very common here: there are 30-40 in fruit close to camp.

10th Sept. CAMP east of the Thibi La 11389' 9 miles. (BP of Dib La 189.7° Temp 73° BP of camp 192.2° Temp 56°) Rather a remarkable day in many ways. Ludlow and I started off early (6:15) ahead of the coolies, to have an undisturbed forest to walk through. It was fine, with large cumulus clouds about, which gradually came down and formed mist over the whole