Introduction
The steeply rising mountains of Huang You Bi are a stunning sight, particularly when clouds swirl around the peaks. This reserve is relatively easily accessible from the county town and there are no difficulties getting in.
Key Species
Russet Bush Warbler
Other Species
Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Brown Crake, Bay Woodpecker, Eurasian Jay, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Black-throated Tit, Black Bulbul, Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Little forktail, Slaty-backed Forktail.
Other Wildlife
Tamiops striped squirrels are very common. In November they raid the persimmon trees near to the reserve HQ.
Birding
As well as the nativ wooded areas the farmland between the reserve and the main road can also be good birding - e.g. to find Chinese Bamboo Partridge and Brown Crake.
Habitat and Vegetation
The best forest areas are at higher altitudes and along the river below the reserve headquarters. Immediately above the headquarters there is a belt of pine plantations and bamboo which is less productive for birds.
Getting there
There is an overnight train from Shenzhen to Meizhou 梅州 leaving at 10.30pm, arriving at 5.05am the following morning. from Meizhou it takes about one hour north to the county town of Jiao Ling 蕉岭. Minivans depart to Beizhai 北祭 (latter character has a stone radical to the left) from the road just next to the bus station. Get off at Nanzhai 南祭 and arrange a motorbike up to the reserve from there (will cost around Rmb25). The distance back to the main road is about 5km and getting transport back to Jiao Ling should be ok up until about 5pm.
General Information
County: Jiao Ling Area: 15 sq. kmAltitude: 900-1000m Location: 24°45’N, 116°15’E
Disturbance: some hunting but this is a remote relatively lowly populated area. The presence of pigeons and brown crakes is a good sign.