Birds of southern Siberia and Baikal Lake

Reserve: Baikalsky Reserve

The Baikal is a mistery. They call it the “Saint Sea” but its clear waters are fresh. They say, it is the most relict lake in the world – its age is 25 million years that is 12 times older than Tanganyika – and it is an infant ocean.They say, Genghis Khan was born there on the Olhon Island. And the son of the Spirit of the Island was an Eagle. And ever until now local people believe eagle to be a sacred bird.

There are lots of eagles breeding in Baikal area - Golden Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle ((Aquila clanga), Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus), White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and Pallas’ Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucophrys). And there are more than 20 raptor species in total.

Hiking through mountain taiga, composed of the famous cembra pine, fir-tree and dwarf Siberian pine forests, you can hear tender voice of Yellow-browed Bunting. There are many reputable singers in taiga. Rubythroat (Luscinia calliope) is one of them. Charming Siberian Blue Robin likes to perform in bird cherry tree and in fir tree. If it notices your attention it would not fly up but sweep down to the earth. Three-toed woodpecker you would recognize by its yellow cap.

Around impetuous mountain rivers and creeks with waterfalls, that are numerous around Baikal, you can watch fantastic bird – a dipper – diving in icy streams to find there some food. In mountain steppes of Southern Baikal long-tailed Bunting (Emberiza cioides) is one of the common species. Godlewski's Bunting (Emberiza godlewskii), Eye-browed Thrush (Turdus obscurus) and Siberian Thrush (Zoothera sibirica) are also typical for the area. Elegant Rock Thrush (Monticola saxatilis) prefers rocky landscapes.

The best time to come is late spring and summer, when all the surrounding is flavoured with blooming aromatic herbs – Rhododendron SP (in May – June), Ledum, Thyme… Colorful hordes of butterflies come attracted with the flowers.

Our guides

Photogallery of tour:

Itinerary:

1 day	Departure from Moscow (Domodedovo) to Chita.
2 day	Arrival to Chita. Morning transfer to Torrey’s Lake on Mongolian border (8 hours by car, with break for meal). Excursion during the trip to Daurian Jackdaw.
3 Day	Morning and day excursions in steep areas. Birding at the lake with breeding Relict Gulls
4 Day	Morning and day excursions in steep areas. Mist nets trapping, trying to get MARSH GRASSBIRD (Megalurus pryeri)
5 Day	Bus excursions in steep areas. Looking for SWAN GOOSE and WHITE-NAPED crane and Mongolian Gazelle.
6 Day	Boat excursion to the small islands in the lakes to see colonies of birds
7 Day	Transfer to the settlement CHASUCHEY to the reserve office to visit Onon –river flood-planes and Pine forest.
8 Day	Transfer back to Chita take and overnight train to Baikal
9 Day	Arrival to Baikalsk in the morning take a bus to Baikalsk reserve.
10 Day	Excursions to the taiga, first by Bus then about 4 km walking. A lot of Siberian species
11 Day	Trekking in the mountains (10 km), about 1.8 km , extremely interesting trip, but can be hard. Stay night in the small hut (one room) food preparing on the fire Sleeping bags needed
12 Day	Morning excursion, in the mountains then go down.
13 Day	Small excursion to the shore of Baikal, mostly relaxation
14 Day	Transfer to Ulan –Ude, with excursions on the way 5 hours of driving. Stay in hotel, meal in the restaurant
15 Day	Return flight from Ulan-Ude to Moscow, 11.15 LT. Arrives Moscow 12.10.(Domodedovo), transfer to international airport

Price:

on request

INCLUDED:

transfer Moscow (Sheremetyevo) – Prioksko-Terasny Reserve, accommodations, meals, transportation and excursions according to the program, medical insurance.

NOT INCLUDED:

Invitation letter and visa expenses, plane tickets Moscow – Astrakhan – Moscow, personal expenses, additional excursions, alcoholic spirits