Tailormade Mongolia

The Mongolian steppe is characterised by rolling grassland punctuated by marshlands, and both saline and freshwater lakes. The freshwater lakes, and their fringes in particular, act like magnets for all manner of avian delights and, during the spring and summer months, one can expect to see large numbers of Bar-headed Geese and the odd-looking Swan Geese, as they graze the fringing grasslands. The smart Asian Dowitcher is another sought-after bird and can be seen probing the rich mudflats, whilst other prized species include Pallas’s Reed Bunting, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, White-naped Crane, Baillon’s Crake and the rare Relict Gull. Over the surrounding grassy steppe, large raptors such as Steppe Eagle and Cinereous (Black) Vulture patrol the skies, whilst acrobatic Saker Falcons can be seen dashing in pursuit of their quarry. Smaller birds typical of this habitat include various larks, wheatears and pipits, whilst in a few upland steppe regions, populations of the rare Przewalski’s Horse can be encountered, as well as a wealth of other wildlife such as Red Deer, Mongolian Marmot, Mongolian Gazelle and even the elusive Pallas’s Cat! Although the capital city of Ulaanbataar is not a high priority for most visitors, a night or two is often required here, and there is some pleasant birding to be enjoyed along the Tuul River which runs through the city. Here, adjoining willow woodlands may yield such exotic species as White-crowned Penduline Tit, Azure Tit, Yellow-breasted Bunting and Long-tailed Rosefinch.

The Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park comprises several distinct regions and habitats, each with its own characteristic wildlife. The scenic mountainous region known as Yolyn Am or ‘Valley of the Lammergeier’ presents opportunities for a differing suite of birds. Here the ‘curlew-like’ calls of Altai Snowcocks ring out as they forage for tubers high up on the grassy slopes. This is also the abode of the near-endemic Kozlov’s (Mongolian) Accentor, whilst other exciting birds here include Beautiful Rosefinch, Wallcreeper and, of course, Lammergeier. There are also a number of specialised mammals such as Siberian Ibex and Argali Sheep that skillfully negotiate the high slopes. The flat desert steppe habitat that surrounds these mountains presents starkly contrasting conditions, and the prevailing wildlife is markedly different. Oriental Plovers choose the rocky desert floor to breed and can be seen, in the spring months, performing their captivating display flights. In one particular region, known as Khongoryn Els, impressive sand dunes create a marvellous backdrop for gentle exploration of the area. The star-filled desert skies are breathtaking at night, whilst during the day possible star species include Saxaul Sparrow, Asian Desert Warbler, Steppe Grey Shrike and the striking Henderson’s Ground Jay, the latter often announcing its presence with its distinctive piping calls. It is here, too, that flocks of elegant Pallas’s Sandgrouse can be seen flying in front of the huge dunes – a sight that often rates amongst the highlights of a Mongolian wildlife tour!

The Terelj National Park protects a significant tract of the northern boreal forest, whose southern extremities of larch, pine and birch woodland are accessible from Ulaanbaatar. The dense forests provide an extreme contrast to the wide open Mongolian steppe and the wildlife is also markedly different. Here tantalising species such as Siberian Rubythroat, Red-throated Thrush, Pine Bunting and Red-flanked Bluetail are all in evidence. Another possibility that often requires a little more effort to see is the impressive Black-billed Capercaillie, which tends to favour inaccessible valleys in the upper regions of the forest.