Mongolian Photo

Appliqué

2008-01-25T14:48:00.000+08:00

Mongol appliqué, characterized by unique Mongolian styled designs and outstanding needlework, evolved from the early art of Hunnu felt appliqué. Although this art form dates back to a 2000 years old Mongolian tradition, it has not significantly developed outside of Mongolia. Appliqués are similar to thangka paintings in their composition, color and content, but are unique in so far as their production requires extreme investments of time and effort, considerable patience and meticulous stitching of silk by artistic seamstresses. The appliqué is unique in its splendor and color detail, its creation involving the contrasting colors of silk, embroidering with silk thread, and inlaying with the utmost precision to create an effect entirely different form that drawings and paintings. The Mongol appliqué is produced based on an original drawing to form templates for the fabric. These are then fastened onto individually selected pieces of silk. Next the silk shapes are quilted together and affixed to a silk background with a border. Finally, string is affixed to the quilt for hanging and dowel is inserted at the bottom to provide a weight.

Large appliqué at Zanabazar art Museum.

Hongoryn els - Huge sand dune

2007-05-14T08:22:00.000+08:00

The huge dunes named Hongoryn els are the largest sea of sand stretching for 180 kilometers. The width of the snad strentch is from 3 to 15 kilometers, the highest peaks tower up to 100-300 meters. Hongoryn els is part of the desert zone which makes up 2.7 percent of the country's territory. At the northern edge of the dunes there is a picturesque oasis, hongoryn gol, which supports drinking water of animal species in the region. The region as a whole represents an interesting natural formation with its huge sand dunes, imposing mountains and greens of oasis so closely lying from each other that is rarely found in the world.

Partial solar eclipse

2007-03-19T17:18:00.000+08:00

A partial solar eclipse was observed in Mongolia on Monday, between 08:38 to 12:25, Ulaanbaatar time. More than 60 percent of the sun was covered by the shadow of the moon.

Shri Devi

2007-02-16T14:32:00.000+08:00

Mongolians believe that Shri-Devi visits every family on New Year’s Eve and put some ice near the door means to water her thirsty mule. A special religious ceremony is also performed for Palden Lhamo.

Shri Devi, the only female wrathful deity among the Dharmapalas, the main deity of Gelugpa Sect, and the protector of Buddhism, is depicted with a dark blue body. She is seated sideways on her mule, with her knees spread apart. In her right hand, she holds a club with a vajra on the end, and in her left hand, she holds a blood filled skull cup. The mule has two eyes on its hips, one on each side. The flayed skin of a human with its head attached acts as a saddle blanket. The mule stands upon a base consisting of sharply pointed mountains surrounding an ocean of blood. Her two attendants, walk beside the mule. Makaravaktra dakini, with an elephant head, is on the right holding the mule’s bridle. Simhavaktra dakini, with a lion head, is on the left holding a chopper and a rope noose. In the upper center, Tsongkapa is accompanied by Green Tara in his left and Ushnishavijava in his right. On the right, wrathful Yamantaka and on the left, Vajrapani are in the clouds. In the lower center, Mahakala sits on a lotus base. White Mahakala and Vaishravana are in the lower left and right corners. Lovely scenes of landscape, clouds, and stream are on the left and right sides of the painting. Mongolians believe that Shri Devi helps to overcome obstacles, to prevent from deceases and to prolong life.

In 17-19th century, although the majority of Mongolian thangkas are painted on a white ground, there are examples with red and black grounds with gold paint, which is called Nagthang. Paintings with red and gold backgrounds depict peaceful deities, while black grounds are reserved for wrathful deities. Gold is used for line work in both red and black thangkas. Shri-Devi rides on her mule in an ocean of blood surrounded by mountains. She has three glaring eyes, carries a skull cup containing blood in her left hand, and holds a club with a skull-topped and a vajra on the end. Her hair is upswept, she wears a five-skull crown, ring-shaped earrings, jewelries, a rosary of freshly severed heads and a tiger-skin skirt. A wooden stick wrapped in a snake is on her left waist, and a human skull on her right knee’s depiction is very unusual. Her two attendants walk beside the mule. An elephant-headed Makaravaktra dakini is holding the mule’s snake-bridle in the right side, a lion-headed Simhavaktra dakini is holding a skull-cup and a chopper in the left. Photographer: Gansukh.N, Source: Mongolian Antique Museum

Mammal checklist of Mongolia

2007-02-05T09:33:00.000+08:00

Insectivora (Insect-Eaters)

Erinaceidae (Hedgehogs, Moonrats)

Hemiechinus dauricus (Daurian Hedgehogs)
Hemiechinus auritus (Long-eared or desert Hedgehogs)

Talpidate (Moles and desmans)

Talpa altaica (Siberian mole)

Soricidae (Shrews)

Sorex daphaenodon (Long toothed shrew)
Sorex vir (Flat-skulled shrew)
Sorex caecutiens (Laxman's shrew)
Sorex minutissimus (Least or Siberian shrew)
Sorex tundrensis (Borel shrew)
Sorex araneus (English or Eurasian common shrew)
Sorex isodon (East-Siberian shrew)
Sorex minutus (Lesser shrew)
Neomys fodiens (water shrew)
Crocidura suaveolens (Scilly shrew)

Chiroptera (Bats)

Vespertilionidae (Vesper bats)

Myotis daubentoni (Daubenton's bat)
Myotis mystacinus (Whiskered bat)
Myotis brandtii (Brandt's bat)
Plecotus auritus (Common bat)
Plecotus austriacus (Grey long-eared bat)
Nyctalus noctula (Great bat)
Vespertilio superans (Eastern bat)
Vespertilio murinus (Red bat)
Pipistrellus savii (Savi's pipistrelle)
Eptesicus nilssoni (Northern bat)
Eptesicus gobiensis (Gobi-desert bat)
Eptesicus serotinus (Rattlemouse)

Lagomorpha (Rabbits)

Ochotonidae (Rock conies, whistling hares)

Ochotona hyperborea (Northern pica)
Ochotona daurica (Daurian pica)
Ochotona pallasi (Pallas' pica)
Ochotona alpina (Altai pica)

Leporidae (Hares and rabbits)

Lepus tolai (Tolai hare)
Lepus timidus (Mountain hare)

Rodentia (Rodents)

Sciuridae (Squirrels)

Sciurus vulgaris (Brown squirrel)
Tamias sibiricus (Sibirian chipmunk)
Marmota baibacina (Altai marmot)
Marmota sibirica (Sibirian marmot)
Citellus undulatus (Long-tailed suslik)
Citellus dauricus (Daurian suslik)
Citellus pallidicauda (Gobi suslik)
Citellus erythrogenus (red-cheeked suslik)
Citellus alaschanicus (Alashan suslik)

Pteromyidae (Flying squirrels)

Pteromys volans (Flying squirrel)

Castoridae (Beavers)

Castor fiber (Eurasian beaver)

Cricetidae (Hamsters)

Phodopus campbell (dwarf hamster)
Phodopus robolrovskii (Roborowsky's dwarf hamster)
Cricetulus barabensis (Striped hamster)
Cricetulus pseudogriseus (Transbaikal hamster)
Cricetulus sokolovi (Sokolov's hamster)
Cricetulus obscurus (Gobi hamster)
Cricetulus longicaudatus (Long-tailed hamster)
Cricetulus migratorius (Grey hamster)
Allocricetulus curtatus (Mongolian hamster)
Myospalax aspalax (Daurian zokor)
Myospalax psilurus (Manchurian zokor)
Ellobius orientalis (Oriental mole-vole)
Ellobius tancrei (Mole lemming)
Ondatra zibethicus (Muskrat)
Alticola argentatus (Royle's mountain vole)
Alticola macrotis (Large-eared vole)
Alticola barakshin (Gobi-altai mountain vole)
Alticola strelzovi (Flat-headed vole)
Clethrionomys rufocanus (Grey sided vole)
Clethrionomus rutilus (Northern red-backed mouse)
Lagurus lagurus (Steppe lemming)
Eolagurus luteus (Yellow steppe lemming)
Eolagurus przewalskii (Przewalski's lemming)
Myopus schisticolor (Wood lemming)
Arvicola terrestris (Ground vole)
Microtus gregalis (Narrow-sculled vole)
Microtus fortis (Reed vole)
Microtus maximowiczii (Maximovich's vole)
Microtus limmophilus (Meadow vole)
Microtus oeconomus (Root vole)
Microtus mongolicus (Mongolian vole)
Microtus arvalis (Common vole)
Microtus agrestis (Short-tailed vole)
Lasiopodomys brandtii (Brandt's vole)
Lasiopodomys mandarinus (Mandarin vole)
Meriones tamariscinus (Tamarisk gerbil)
Meriones unguiculatus (Mongolian gerbil)
Meriones meridianus (Midday gerbil)
Rhombomys opimus (Great gerbil)

Mulidae (Mice)

Micromys minutus (Harvest mouse)
Apodemus agrarius (Striped field mouse)
Apodemus peninsulae (Korean field mouse)
Rattus norvegicus (Norway rat)
Mus musculus (House mouse)

Gliridae (Dormice)

Dryomys nitedula (Forest dormouse)

Sminthidae (Birch mice)

Sicista subtilis (Souther birch mouse)

Dipodidae (Jerboas)

Allactaga sibirica (Siberian jerboa)
Allactaga bullata (Gobi jerboa)
Allactaga elater (Little jerboa)
Allactaga balicunica (South Gobi jerboa)
Pygerethmus pumilio (Little earth hare)
Stylodipus andrewsi (Mongolian jerboa)
Stylodipus sungorus (Zungarian jerboa)
Dipus sagitta (Hairy-footed jerboa)
Dipus halli (Three-toed Jerboa)
Cardiocranius paradoxus (Satunin's jerboa)
Salpingotus kozlovi (Kozlov's pygmy jerboa)
Salpingotus crassicauda (Thick-tailed pygmy jerboa)
Euchoreutes naso (Long-eared jerboa)

Carnivora (Carnivores)

Canidae (Canids, dogs)

Canis lupus (Grey wolf)
Vulpes vulpes (Common fox)
Vulpes corsac (Corsac fox)
Vulpes ferrilata (Tibetan fox)
Cuon alpinus (red dog)
Nyctereutes procyonoides (Raccoon dog)

Upsidae (Bears)

Upsus arctos (Brown bear)
Upsus gobiensis (Gobi bear)

Mustelidae (Mustelids)

Martes zibellina (Sable)
Martes foina (Beech marten)
Gulo gulo (Wolverine)
Mustela sibirica (Siberian weasel)
Mustela altaica (Alpine weasel)
Mustela erminea (Common weasel)
Mustela nivalis (Least weasel)
Mustela eversmanni (Eversmann's polecat)
Mustela vison (Mink)
Vormela peregusna (Marbled polecat)
Meles meles (Badger)
Lutra lutra (Common otter)

Felidae (Cats)

Uncia uncia (Snow leopard)
Felis lynx (Lynx)
Felis manul (Manul cat)
Felis lybica (wild cat)

Perissodactyla (Odd-toed mammals)

Equidae (Horses)

Equus przewalskii (Przewalskii wild horse)
Equus hemionus (Asiatic wild ass)

Camelidae (Camels)

Camelus bactrianus ferus (Bactrian wild camel)

Artiodactyla (Artiodactyles)

Suidae (pigs)

Sus scrofa (Wild boar)

Cervidae (Deers)

Moschus moschiferus (Musk-deer)
Cervus elaphus (Red deer)
Capreolus pygargus (Roe deer)
Alces alces (Mooses)
Rangifer tarandus (Reindeer)

Bovidae (Hollow-horned ruminants)

Gazella subgutturosa (Goitred gazella)
Procapra gutturosa (Mongolian gazella)
Saiga tatarica (Antilope)
Capra sibirica (Siberian ibex)
Ovis ammon (Wild sheep)

Ulaanbaatar

2007-01-29T09:17:00.000+08:00

Ulaanbaatar was founded in 1639. Zanabazar, son of Tusheet Khaan Gombodorj, the most powerful and influental among Khalka's Khaans was proclaimed as the religious leader of Mongolia due to the strong influence of Buddhism in the country. And a special monastery complex was built for him as headquarters. The headquarters became the foundation of the former Urgoo (means palace), present Ulaanbaatar. The city hosts the only international airport of the country and single international rail line. The Trans Siberian railway goes across the city from the north to the south. Ulaanbaatar, with approximately a million of population, is the country's economic, cultural and political center and has a number of tourist's attractions and hosts most varied types of entertainment. Ulaanbaatar is located on the bank of Tuul river and sorrounded by four sacred mountains with dense pine forest on the northern slopes and grassy steppes on the south. Mostly described, as sunny, peaceful and open, Ulaanbaatar is city of contrast where modern life comfortably blends with Mongolian traditional lifestyle.

Rock paintings of the Khoit Tsenkher cave

2006-12-25T09:01:00.000+08:00

Rock paintings of the Khoit Tsenkher cave date back to the Upper Palaeolithic period (20,000-15, 000 years ago). In one of corners of the cave measuring 2.5 m high and 1.5-2.0 m deep, numerous symbols and animals were painted overlapping each other on the ceiling and wall. A quiet standing stag was portrayed clearly among the animals. Also a standing buffalo with horus looking ahead was represented separately. In another corner of the cave, many animals including oxes, ibexes, elephants, ostriches were pictured, overlapping each other. It is interesting that dotted lines were drawn over the ostriches. On its wall in a cave hollow measuring 10 m long and 8 m wide a camel with to humbs was portrayed. Also many symbols and trees were painted at the height of 2.0-2.5 m not far from the wall, where the camel was portrayed. Lions, elephants, argali sheep, ibexes, ostriches, antelopes, camels, as well as symbols were painted with mineral-based paints of rosy and brown colours on the walls deep inside the cave. By the method of painting of different kinds of animals, their colour and view, the Khoit Tsenkher cave rock paintings show their original artistic, cultural and historical features which are different from the other rock paintings in Mongolia and her neighbouring countries. Some particular parts of the animals such as their horns, necks, humbs are depicted with an exaggerated hyper-realism typical of the Palaeolothic period. Spots adjacent to the images of goats and ostriches carved on the Khoit Tsenkher cave rock are not her typical features of the Palaeolothic period by which flocks of animals were represented by sports, rather repeated painting of individual animals many times over.

Green Tara

2006-12-14T12:04:00.000+08:00

B.Sharav, the famous Mongolian artist of Bogd Khaan Palace, painted this Green Tara combining classic and modern portrayal methods. Shyamatara is depicted as a beautiful young women. Amitabha is on the top of her head. She wears a foliate petal tiara, ring shaped earrings inset with precious stones, a necklace, armlets and bracelets. Green tara holds the stem of a lotus flower in both hands. She sits on a lotus base with her pendent right leg supported by a lotus, while her left leg is folded. Blue Tara and Yellow Tara stand in the lower right and left corners. It was painted following precisely the iconography the mystic incantation form of the deity. Drawing of chrysanthemums and lotus flowers around her makes the painting more elaborate in detail and some parts are painted partially in gold.

During the suppression, Lama Ovgonkhuu of Erdenezuu Monastery in Kharakhorum kept this painting.

Photo by Gansukh.N, Source: Mongolian Antique Museum

GPS & Photography

2006-11-25T12:25:00.000+08:00

Digital photos can come with auxiliary information embedded in the photo file: the camera make and model the time when the photo was shot, the aperture settings, and so forth. This auxiliary information is called metadata. Although most people care about a photo's pixels, rather than its metadata, metadata can provide good cues for organizing, browsing, and finding your photos, and more importantly, it can aid in telling your story. There are two pieces of metadata that provide the context of a photo: when and where. Knowing that a photo was taken during your last trip, for example, or that a photo was taken at Disneyland, says a lot about the photo even before you see a single pixel. Date & time are easy to acquire - almost all digital cameras have an internal clock, and every photograph you snap is stamped with the date and time without any extra effort on your part. Geographic location is harder to come by. There are a handful of high-end cameras on the market that can connect to a GPS device and which automatically enter location information into the photo file. For those of us who don't own such a camera, there are two methods for attaching this valuable location information to the photograph, both of which require special software.

Manually drag and drop photos onto a map once the photo is on your computer.
An external GPS device can be used to keep track of the camera location and the data can be synchronized later using specialized software.

Once your photos are time-stamped and location-stamped, software allows you to take advantage of this information in a variety of ways.

The GPS information in the Digital Photos could be used by tools like Google Earth to zoom in to the location based on the coordinates.
For biologists, it can be a tool to track and monitor endangered plants and animals, though hopefully not to document their extinction. The photo represents information on where to look, and what to look for, in searching for what has become of a unique moment.
There are other major advantages in having GPS information encoded in the EXIF data of a photograph. For a photographer trying to organize a vast collection of images, it would be of immense help.
Part of the point in knowing the exact time and place is to make an indisputable photographic record of that unique moment. For example, you might document year after year the same patch of wildflowers. The photos would provide a record of their exact location, to assist in relocating them for future photo shoots. They would also be a valuable tool in biological study of the changing dynamics of a local flower population.
Information on exact GPS coordinates also allows photographers to categorize places of interest, sorting all images automatically that meet these criteria.

Wonderful Mongolia 2006 tour

2006-11-24T14:27:00.000+08:00

Bird checklist of Mongolia

2006-11-22T08:59:00.000+08:00

GAVIIFORMES: Gaviidae

Arctic Loon Gavia arctica

PODICIPEDIFORMES: Podicipedidae

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus
Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis

PELECANIFORMES: Pelecanidae

Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus

PELECANIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

CICONIIFORMES: Ardeidae

Gray Heron Ardea cinerea
Great Egret Ardea alba
Chinese Pond-Heron Ardeola bacchus
Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus
Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris

CICONIIFORMES: Ciconiidae

Black Stork Ciconia nigra
Oriental Stork Ciconia boyciana

CICONIIFORMES: Threskiornithidae

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae

Mute Swan Cygnus olor
Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus
Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus
Swan Goose Anser cygnoides
Bean Goose Anser fabalis
Greylag Goose Anser anser
Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata
Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope
Falcated Duck Anas falcata
Gadwall Anas strepera
Baikal Teal Anas formosa
Eurasian Teal Anas crecca
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
Garganey Anas querquedula
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
Common Pochard Aythya ferina
Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
Greater Scaup Aythya marila
Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus
White-winged Scoter Melanitta fusca
Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula
Smew Mergellus albellus
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
Common Merganser Mergus merganser
White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala

FALCONIFORMES: Pandionidae

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

FALCONIFORMES: Accipitridae

European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus
Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Pallas's Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus
White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla
Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus
Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus
Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis
Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus
Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus
Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus
Western Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Eastern Marsh-Harrier Circus spilonotus
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus
Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus
Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos
Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus
Shikra Accipiter badius
Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis
Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
Eurasian Buzzard Buteo buteo
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius
Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus
Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga
Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis
Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
Booted Eagle Aquila pennatus

FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae

Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus
Amur Falcon Falco amurensis
Merlin Falco columbarius
Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo
Saker Falcon Falco cherrug
Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

GALLIFORMES: Tetraonidae

Willow Ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus
Rock Ptarmigan Lagopus muta
Black-billed Capercaillie Tetrao parvirostris
Eurasian Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus
Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix
Hazel Grouse Bonasa bonasia

GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae

Altai Snowcock Tetraogallus altaicus
Chukar Alectoris chukar
Gray Partridge Perdix perdix
Daurian Partridge Perdix dauurica
Japanese Quail Coturnix japonica
Common Quail Coturnix coturnix
Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha
Brown Eared-Pheasant Crossoptilon mantchuricum
Blue Eared-Pheasant Crossoptilon auritum
Reeves's Pheasant Syrmaticus reevesii
Ring-necked Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

GRUIFORMES: Gruidae

Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo
Siberian Crane Grus leucogeranus
White-naped Crane Grus vipio
Common Crane Grus grus
Hooded Crane Grus monacha
Red-crowned Crane Grus japonensis

GRUIFORMES: Rallidae

Swinhoe's Rail Coturnicops exquisitus
Water Rail Rallus aquaticus
Corn Crake Crex crex
Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla
Spotted Crake Porzana porzana
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Eurasian Coot Fulica atra

GRUIFORMES: Otididae

Great Bustard Otis tarda
Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata
Macqueen's Bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii
Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax

CHARADRIIFORMES: Rostratulidae

Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis

CHARADRIIFORMES: Ibidorhynchidae

Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii

CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

CHARADRIIFORMES: Glareolidae

Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum

CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Gray-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus
Pacific Golden-Plover Pluvialis fulva
American Golden-Plover Pluvialis dominica
European Golden-Plover Pluvialis apricaria
Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Snowy Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
Lesser Sandplover Charadrius mongolus
Greater Sandplover Charadrius leschenaultii
Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus
Eurasian Dotterel Charadrius morinellus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae

Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus
Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria
Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura
Swinhoe's Snipe Gallinago megala
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
Little Curlew Numenius minutus
Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis
Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
Common Redshank Tringa totanus
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Gray-tailed Tattler Heterosceles brevipes
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Red Knot Calidris canutus
Sanderling Calidris alba
Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis
Little Stint Calidris minuta
Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii
Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Dunlin Calidris alpina
Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus
Ruff Philomachus pugnax
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae

Mew Gull Larus canus
Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus
Herring Gull Larus argentatus
East Siberian Gull Larus vegae
Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus
Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
Saunders's Gull Larus saundersi
Relict Gull Larus relictus
Little Gull Larus minutus
Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla

CHARADRIIFORMES: Sternidae

Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica
Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Little Tern Sterna albifrons
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Black Tern Chlidonias niger

PTEROCLIFORMES: Pteroclidae

Pallas's Sandgrouse Syrrhaptes paradoxus

COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae

Rock Pigeon Columba livia
Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris
Pale-backed Pigeon Columba eversmanni
Common Wood-Pigeon Columba palumbus
Eurasian Turtle-Dove Streptopelia turtur
Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis
Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Red Collared-Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica

CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
Horsfield's Cuckoo Cuculus horsfieldi

STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae

European Scops-Owl Otus scops
Oriental Scops-Owl Otus sunia
Eurasian Eagle-Owl Bubo bubo
Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus
Ural Owl Strix uralensis
Great Gray Owl Strix nebulosa
Northern Hawk Owl Surnia ulula
Eurasian Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium passerinum
Little Owl Athene noctua
Boreal Owl Aegolius funereus
Long-eared Owl Asio otus
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae

Gray Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus
Eurasian Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus

APODIFORMES: Apodidae

White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus
Common Swift Apus apus
Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus

CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata

CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae

European Roller Coracias garrulus

CORACIIFORMES: Upupidae

Hoopoe Upupa epops

PICIFORMES: Picidae

Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor
White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major
Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker Picoides tridactylus
Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius
Gray-faced Woodpecker Picus canus

PASSERIFORMES: Alaudidae

Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra
Mongolian Lark Melanocorypha mongolica
White-winged Lark Melanocorypha leucoptera
Black Lark Melanocorypha yeltoniensis
Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla
Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens
Crested Lark Galerida cristata
Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis
Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris

PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae

Bank Swallow Riparia riparia
Eurasian Crag-Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
Common House-Martin Delichon urbica

PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae

White Wagtail Motacilla alba
Black-backed Wagtail Motacilla lugens
Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
Gray Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Oriental Pipit Anthus rufulus
Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi
Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris
Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewskii
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni
Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi
Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus
Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta
American Pipit Anthus rubescens

PASSERIFORMES: Regulidae

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

PASSERIFORMES: Bombycillidae

Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus

PASSERIFORMES: Cinclidae

White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus

PASSERIFORMES: Troglodytidae

Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

PASSERIFORMES: Prunellidae

Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris
Himalayan Accentor Prunella himalayana
Siberian Accentor Prunella montanella
Brown Accentor Prunella fulvescens
Black-throated Accentor Prunella atrogularis
Mongolian Accentor Prunella koslowi

PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae

Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush Monticola saxatilis
Siberian Thrush Zoothera sibirica
Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma
Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscurus
Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis
Dusky Thrush Turdus naumanni
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris
Redwing Turdus iliacus
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

PASSERIFORMES: Sylviidae

Spotted Bush-Warbler Bradypterus thoracicus
Chinese Bush-Warbler Bradypterus tacsanowskius
Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata
Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia
Pallas's Warbler Locustella certhiola
Savi's Warbler Locustella luscinioides
Gray's Warbler Locustella fasciolata
Black-browed Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus bistrigiceps
Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola
Blyth's Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum
Great Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus
Oriental Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus orientalis
Clamorous Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus
Thick-billed Warbler Acrocephalus aedon
Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata
Sykes's Warbler Hippolais rama
Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
Mountain Chiffchaff Phylloscopus sindianus
Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus
Sulphur-bellied Warbler Phylloscopus griseolus
Radde's Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi
Lemon-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus
Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus
Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei
Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis
Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides
Pale-legged Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus tenellipes
Marsh Grassbird Megalurus pryeri
Fly River Grassbird Megalurus albolimbatus
Greater Whitethroat Sylvia communis
Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca
Small Whitethroat Sylvia minula
Asian Desert Warbler Sylvia nana
Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria

PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
Siberian Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica
Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica
Korean Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia
Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki
Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla
Rufous-tailed Robin Luscinia sibilans
Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope
Bluethroat Luscinia svecica
Siberian Blue Robin Luscinia cyane
Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus
Rufous-backed Redstart Phoenicurus erythronota
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus
White-winged Redstart Phoenicurus erythrogaster
Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
White-throated Bushchat Saxicola insignis
Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka
Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti
Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina

PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae

Pere David's Laughingthrush Garrulax davidi

PASSERIFORMES: Paradoxornithidae

Bearded Reedling Panurus biarmicus
Vinous-throated Parrotbill Paradoxornis webbianus
Reed Parrotbill Paradoxornis heudei

PASSERIFORMES: Aegithalidae

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

PASSERIFORMES: Paridae

Marsh Tit Poecile palustris
Willow Tit Poecile montana
Gray-headed Chickadee Poecile cincta
Coal Tit Periparus ater
Great Tit Parus major
Turkestan Tit Parus bokharensis
Azure Tit Cyanistes cyanus

PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae

Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea

PASSERIFORMES: Tichodromidae

Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria

PASSERIFORMES: Certhiidae

Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

PASSERIFORMES: Remizidae

White-crowned Penduline-Tit Remiz coronatus
Chinese Penduline-Tit Remiz consobrinus

PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae

Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus

PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae

Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio
Rufous-tailed Shrike Lanius isabellinus
Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus
Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor
Chinese Gray Shrike Lanius sphenocercus

PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae

Siberian Jay Perisoreus infaustus
Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius
Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyana
Eurasian Magpie Pica pica
Mongolian Ground-Jay Podoces hendersoni
Eurasian Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes
Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula
Daurian Jackdaw Corvus dauuricus
Rook Corvus frugilegus
Carrion Crow Corvus corone
Common Raven Corvus corax

PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae

Daurian Starling Sturnia sturnina
Rosy Starling Pastor roseus
White-cheeked Starling Sturnus cineraceus
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris

PASSERIFORMES: Emberizidae

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella
Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos
Rock Bunting Emberiza cia
Godlewski's Bunting Emberiza godlewskii
Meadow Bunting Emberiza cioides
Gray-hooded Bunting Emberiza buchanani
Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana
Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata
Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla
Yellow-browed Bunting Emberiza chrysophrys
Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica
Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola
Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila
Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps
Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala
Pallas's Bunting Emberiza pallasi
Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus
Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus
Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis

PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla
Plain Mountain-Finch Leucosticte nemoricola
Black-headed Mountain-Finch Leucosticte brandti
Asian Rosy-Finch Leucosticte arctoa
Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator
Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus
Beautiful Rosefinch Carpodacus pulcherrimus
Pallas's Rosefinch Carpodacus roseus
Red-mantled Rosefinch Carpodacus rhodochlamys
Great Rosefinch Carpodacus rubicilla
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra
White-winged Crossbill Loxia leucoptera
Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea
Hoary Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni
Eurasian Siskin Carduelis spinus
European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
Oriental Greenfinch Carduelis sinica
Twite Carduelis flavirostris
Eurasian Linnet Carduelis cannabina
Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula
Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes
Yellow-billed Grosbeak Eophona migratoria
Mongolian Finch Rhodopechys mongolica
Desert Finch Rhodospiza obsoleta
Long-tailed Rosefinch Uragus sibiricus

PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae

Saxaul Sparrow Passer ammodendri
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
Rock Petronia Petronia petronia
White-winged Snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis
Pere David's Snowfinch Montifringilla davidiana

Things to photograph in Mongolia

2006-11-21T08:46:00.000+08:00

Over 450 species of birds
138 species of mammals
12500 species of insects
74 species of fish
20 reptiles
2823 species of high vascular plants
920 species of lichen
417 species of moss
520 species of fungus
728 species of algae
33 gobi desert
over 20 peaks with eternal snow
4000 rivers
400 springs
16 large lakes and many small lakes
50 protected areas
700 monasteries and/or ruins of monasteries
21 aimags
73 monuments in Ulaanbaatar
Many historical and cultural monuments
Many everyday life situations
Beautiful sunsets and sunrises
Stars and moon
Blue sky
and more

World heritage in Mongolia

2006-11-18T11:57:00.000+08:00

Uvs Nuur Basin

Uvs Nuur Lake is the largest lake in Mongolia, which, at 753 m above sea level, covers an area of 3,350 km². Its northeastern part is situated in the Tuva Republic of the Russian Federation. The largest settlement on the shore is Ulaangom. This shallow and very saline body of water is the only remainder of a huge saline sea which covered a much larger area several thousand years ago.

The Uvs Nuur Lake is the centre of the Uvs Nuur Basin, which covers an area of 700,000 km² and represents one of the best-preserved natural steppe landscapes of Eurasia. Apart from the Uvs Nuur, the basin comprises several smaller lakes, notably the Ureg Nuur Lake, which lies at 1,450 m above sea level. As these lakes lie to the north of other inland seas of Central Asia, they are of key importance for waterfowl migration.

Since the basin spans the geoclimatic boundary between Siberia and Central Asia, temperatures may vary from −58°C in winter to 47°C in summer. Despite its harsh climate, the basin is home to 173 bird species and 41 mammal species, including the globally endangered snow leopard, argali, and Asiatic ibex.

Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape

The Orkhon Valley encompasses 121.967 hectares, and can be found in Central-Mongolia. It also includes Kharkhorum, the 13th and 14th century capital of Chinggis (Genghis) Khan’s vast Empire.The inclusion of this site is a tribute to Mongolia’s nomadic culture, that even now persists. Further, it illustrates several significant stages in human history. First and foremost it was the centre of the Mongolian Empire; secondly it reflects a particular Mongolian variation of Turkish power; thirdly, the Tuvkhun hermitage monastery was the setting for the development of a Mongolian form of Buddhism; and fourthly, Khar Balgas, reflects the Uighur urban culture in the capital of the Uighur Empire.

Ramsar site lists of Mongolia

2006-11-18T11:33:00.000+08:00

Hovd aimag

Ayrag Nuur (48º53’N 093º25’E)
Har Us Nuur National Park (47º58’N 092º50’E)

Bayan-Ulgii, Uvs aimag

Lake Achit and its surrounding wetlands (49°40’N 090°35’E)

Uvs aimag

Lake Uvs and its surrounding wetlands (50°20’N 092°45’E)

Dornod aimag

Lake Buir and its surrounding wetlands (47°48’N 117°40’E)
Mongol Daguur (49º42’N 115º06’E)

Sukhbaatar aimag

Lake Ganga and its surrounding wetlands (45°15’N 114°00’E)

Khentii aimag

Lakes in the Khurkh-Khuiten Valley (48°18’N 110°34’E)

Arkhangai aimag

Ogii Nuur (47º46’N 102º46’E)
Terhiyn Tsagaan Nuur (48º10’N 099º43’E)

Bayankhongor aimag

Valley of Lakes (Boon Tsagaan Nuur, Taatsiin Tsagaan Nuur, Adgiin Tasgaan Nuur, Orog Nuur) (45º19’N 099º58’E)

Important Bird Areas In Mongolia

2006-11-12T18:58:00.000+08:00

Bayan-Ulgii aimag

Khoton Nuur and Khorgon Nuur at Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Dayan Nuur at Altai Tavan Bogd
Tolbo Nuur
Achit Nuur

Uvs aimag

Uureg Nuur
Uvs Nuur
Airag Nuur
Baga Nuur and Bayan Nuur of the Zuungovi

Khovd aimag

Zavhan aimag

Khomyn tal
Santmargatsyn Bayan Nuur
Otgontenger mountain
Telmen Nuur

Gobi-Altai aimag

Small lakes near Chamdmani Tolgoi, Jargalant soum

Bayanhongor aimag

Boon Tsagaan Nuur
Orog Nuur
Taatsiin Tsagaan Nuur

Uvurkhangai aimag

Ulziitiin Sangiin Dalai Nuur

Huvsgul aimag

Darkhad basin
Khovsgol Nuur
Erkhel Nuur
Khovsgoliin Sangiin Dalai Nuur

Arkhangai aimag

Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur
Ogii Nuur

Bulgan aimag

Teshigiin Olon Nuur
Airkhan Nuur
Dashinchilen Bayan Nuur

Selenge aimag

Selengiin Tsagaan Nuur
Confluence of Orkhon and Selenge rivers

Khentii aimag

Valley of Khurkh-Khutien
Onon-Balj

Dornod aimag

Tsengeleg Nuur
Mongol Daguur
Khukh Nuur
Buir Nuur
Tashgain Tavan Nuur

Sukhbaatar aimag

Ganga Nuur

Dornogovi aimag

Ikh Nartiin Chuluu Nature Reserve

Mongolian Photo

Mammals of Mongolia

2006-11-12T17:48:00.000+08:00

Mongolia wild mammals have unique species composition, distribution and origin. In Mongolia exist 138 species mammals belonging to 73 genera, 22 families and 8 orders; which is 13 insectivores; 12 chiropters; 6 lagomorphs; 69 rodents; 24 carnivores; 2 perissodactyls; 1 tylopods; and 11 artiodactyls. There are 32 species of rare, very rare and endemic species of Central Asia and Mongolia. There are several mammalian whose population sizes and ranges have become smaller due to either the direct or indirect impact of human activities and the environmental and climate change. The Mongolian Red Book, published in 1997, has 2 categories of endangered species, rare and very rare and it includes 30 species and sub-species of mammals. Mongolian Photo

Gurvansaikhan National Park

2006-11-07T18:08:00.000+08:00

Gobi Gurvansaikhan park encompasses the series of ridges and valleys that make up the eastern end of the Gobi Altai mountains. Surrounded by low plains, the mountains rise to 2200-2600 meters, and include the Gurvan saikhan (three adjacent ridges named Zuun (East), Dund (Middle), and Baruun (West) saikhan), Zoolon, Sevrei, Gilbent, and Nemegt ridges. Some of the peaks are volcanic in origin.

The park, which extends for more than 380 kilometers from east to west, lies at the northern edge of the Gobi desert but includes desert steppe and steppe at higher elevations. The park's landscape is extremely varied, with rocky and sandy desert plains, precipitous cliffs and ravines, salt pans, and oases. Gurvansaikhan includes the highest diversity of plant life in the Gobi Altai, with over 620 species of flowering plants. Most are characteristic of Central Asian deserts, including 38 endemic species. During years with adequate precipitation, desert plants produce vibrant summer displays of desert flowers.

Fifty-two species of mammals are found here, including eight species listed in the Mongolian Red Book as endangered. Small herds of wild ass and black-tailed and Mongolian gazelle roam the desert valleys and desert steppe, while the mountains provide suitable habitat for threatened and endangered animals such as argali, Siberian ibex, and snow leopard. Long-eared hedgehogs and dwarf hamsters inhabit sandy areas. Over 240 bird species occur in the area, including 34 resident species, 99 breeding species, and 70 migrants. Local herders seasonally graze livestock in parts of the park, which features some popular tourist destinations, including the Valley of Yol, a picturesque gorge, and the Singing Sands, a spectacular sea of sand dunes bordered by red sandstone formations, an oasis, and a saxaul forest. The Nemegt, Khermiin Tsav, Naran daats, and Bayanzag mountains, the sites of numerous important dinosaur fossil discoveries, also lie within the park.

Mongolian Photo

Birds of Mongolia

2006-11-07T14:49:00.001+08:00

Mongolia known as a landlocked country remote from the sea is however prominent for its extremely diversified landscape. Mountain ranges, small and bigger lakes, and rivers, semi-desert Gobi area, forest steppes ar all home to many species of birds. In Mongolia have been recorded over 450 different species of birds belonging to 200 genera, 60 families of 19 orders registered. Mongolia has 81 species which live permanently, 245 species egg in our country, 9 species pass the summer, 60 species of birds occasionally occur in Mongolia and 10 species birds arrive here to pass winter. In Mongolia are registered 30 rare and very rare birds. The species registered in the Red Book of Mongolia are: Pelecanus crispus - Dalmation Pelican, Egretta alba - Great White Egret, Platalea leucorodia - Eurasian or White Spoonbill, Ciconia nigra - Black Stork, Cygnus olor - Mute Swan, Cygnus cygnus - Whooper Swan, Eulabeia indica - Bar-headed Goose, Cygnopsis cygnoides - Swan Goose, Anas formosa - Baikal Teal, Aythya baeri - Baer's Pochard, Aix galericulata - Mandarin Duck, Oxyura leucocephala - White-headed Duck, Pandion haliaetus - Osprey, Haliaeetus albicilla - White tailed Eagle, Gyps himalayensis - Himalayan Griffon, Tetraogallus altaicus - Altai Snowcock, Phasianus colchicus - Ring-necked Pheasant, Grus monacha - Hooded Crane, Grus vipio - Japanese White-naped Crane, Grus leucogeranus - Sibirian White Crane, Otis tarda - Great Bustard, Chlamydotis undulata - Houbara Bustard, Limnodromus semipalmatus - Asiatic Dowitcher, Larus ichthyaetus - Great Black-headed Gull, Larus relictus - Relict Gull, Saxicola insignus - Hodgsan's Bushchat, Paradoxornix heudei - Chinese or Reed Parrotbill, Remizpendulinus - Eurasian Penduline Tit, Podoces hendersoni - Henderson's Ground-jay. The species registered in the The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species are: Bunting

Yellow-breasted Bunting (Emberiza aureola)

Bushchat

White-throated Bushchat (Saxicola insignis)

Bustard

Corncrake

Corncrake (Crex crex)

Crane

Dowitcher

Asian Dowitcher (Limnodromus semipalmatus)

Duck

Eagle

Fish-eagle

Pallas's Fish-eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus)

Goose

Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides)

Grassbird

Marsh Grassbird (Megalurus pryeri)

Gull

Relict Gull (Larus relictus)

Harrier

Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus)

Kestrel

Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)

Lapwing

Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius)

Parrotbill

Reed Parrotbill (Paradoxornis heudei)

Pelican

Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus)

Pochard

Baer's Pochard (Aythya baeri)

Stork

Oriental Stork (Ciconia boyciana)

Teal

Baikal Teal (Anas formosa)

Vulture

Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus)

Mongolian Photo

How to photograph birds

2006-11-06T11:58:00.000+08:00

Bird photographs are difficult to take. They move around in only a few seconds.

Get close enough to the bird
Use the longest lens you have
Use a teleconverter to extend the focal length
Try placing your prefocused camera on a ledge nearby where you expect the birds to come. Focus it, adjust the settings then leave it there. Watch from a far. When you think you have the perfect photo, use a remote control to trigger the shutter.
Combine a scope with your digital camera
Try to use a tripod to get sharper photos. If you're without a tripod, try resting the camera on a stable object.
Use Fast Shutter Speeds
Use Continous shooting mode
Please follow Code of Birding Ethics

Mongolian Photo

Baga gazar

2006-11-03T18:57:00.000+08:00

The Baga Gazar mountain is a huge granite massive. Small hills with a rounded top are dominant. They are separated by small valleys without water flow. In this area weathering and erosion are intensive.

Argali and Sibirian ibex are found in this place.

GPS coordinate is 46°23'18.47"N, 105°39'3.23"E

http://mongolia.photoreflect.com

Sum huh burd

2006-11-03T11:28:00.000+08:00

Sum huh burd is situated on the territory of Adaatsag soum in Dundgovi aimag.

There is a monastry, build by Mongolians on the small island of lake Burd. It is said that khutagt Danzanravjaa put his famous play "Saran khuhhuu" in this monastry.

Swan, duck and Partridge are common on the lake. South of the lake "Burd" is the spring Uudiin bulag, famous for its water's curative properties.

GPS coordinate is 46°23'36.13"N, 105°35'24.01"E

http://mongolia.photoreflect.com

Zorgol khairkhan

2006-11-02T20:10:00.000+08:00

This is a sacred mountain, found in the area of Bayan Unjuul soum of Tov aimag/province, about 150 km from Ulaanbaatar. The peak is 1686 m ASL. Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain is venerated and revered by the local people, who believe that it is the siege of a great, benevolent spirit. Many lines and stanzas were dedicated to this mountain in the famous poems of the modern poet B.Lkhagvasuren. The huge, red granite mountain does indeed have a diverse and beautiful nature to offer. It has many caves and water springs. Lucky visitors may see wild animals like mountain goats, ibex and eagles (at their nests). There are several burial sites of ancient Mongol soldiers around this mountain. According to shamanic custom, pronouncing the name of the holy mountains while visiting them is forbidden.

The mountain is composed of granite rock, being in the Granite belt of Mongolia.The mountain was mentioned as Zorgol Khan in the 'Secret History of Mongols'.

Mongolians have an ancient tradition of protecting and preserving the beautiful nature and landscape. The ancient legal manuscript called Khalkh Juram ordered the protection and preservation of fourteen mountains, including Bogd khaan, Khan-Khentii, Khugnu-Khaan and Zorgol-Khairkhan Mountains.

http://mongolia.photoreflect.com