Part 54 - Tsona and Kechar La: Tibetan Plateau bird observations

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SUMMARY:
Notes from Tsona and the ascent to the Kechar La describe entry into true Tibetan plateau country, with ravens, horned larks, mountain finches, and stunted flowers characteristic of the region. Observations include abundant plateau species and marshland birds such as Melanocorypha maxima, Montifringilla ruficollis, Grus nigricollis, and Sterna hirundo tibetana around Tsona and nearby marshes.

CONTENT:
13733
54932
14282

Tsona
BP = 186.7° Temp. 13733

Ibis 15.
July 15.
The Kechar La seems to be on the main range, for here we saw 104 =

Ibis 481 Otocorys alpestris elwesi — abundant Tibetan plateau.
Ibis 478 Fringalauda brandti haematopygia — common in suitable localities on the Tibetan Plateau.
Whilst a few miles to the north brought us to Plateau country on which
Melanocorypha maxima, Montifringilla ruficollis etc. were abundant.
Ibis 481 Melanocorypha maxima Lark — Ibis 481
Ibis 477 Montifringilla ruficollis abundant Tibetan Plateau.
On the Tsona marshes several waders were noted as well as
Ibis 503 Grus nigricollis
Ibis 502 Sterna hirundo tibetana — frequently seen — lakes & marshes of the Tibetan Plateau.

Ludlow p. 47
On the ascent to the Kechar La
we passed into true Tibetan country.
Ravens, horned larks, mountain
finches as well as numerous
stunted flowers all proclaimed the
fact that we were now in true
Tibetan plateau country.