Beizha Forest Reserve

We had heard about this place from a mutual friend and all wanted to go there! It was quite a drive, but as we entered a spectacular valley, we realised that we were going to have an exceptional birding experience. And so it proved, one of the best days of the trip.
A wonderful immature Northern Goshawk flew over our heads & Blue Hill Pigeons were on the cliffs on the valley sides.

Immature Northern Goshawk

Blue Hill Pigeon

As we walked along the valley bottom, we all enjoyed the flat. It was fantastic not to be pulling up a huge mountain for a change. Around us, a variety of forest covered the hills, it was a truly spectacular and lovely spot. We walked all along the valley for around nine kilometers, birding all the way. The sun shone and all were in high spirits.

The black-backed race of Three-toed Woodpecker, 

which could turn out to be a separate species.

Kessler's Thrush

Kozlov's Babax

Plumbeous Redstart, quite common along the river.

The young birds are not quite as colourful!

Male Hodgson's Redstart.

A more familiar bird - Olive-backed Pipit.

Buff-barred Warbler

The superb male Grey-headed Bullfinch

Male Common Rosefinch in fine plumage.

The star of the day - Three-banded Rosefinch

The gurgling, fast flowing river, kept us company all day and every time we looked up, a great vista unfolded before us. We were still quite high around 3,600 m, but it felt low for us, after the last week or so. It was a very long drive back to our accommodation, but we were all thrilled with the day.