BirdGuides

TEN OF THE BEST 18 World of Birds • 2023 www.birdguides.com The stunning wing pattern of Wallcreeper is unparalleled in the natural world. to a high rock face, but a good view will show why this special bird deserves a place on this list. And the fact that it is a mega rarity in the UK does its credentials no harm. Where? High mountains in Eurasia, with the Alps and Pyrenees good choices – for example, Sierra de Guara in northern Spain is a reliable area. From personal experience, Trigrad Gorge in Bulgaria has a 100% hit rate. Its range extends right across to the Himalaya, where it is widespread in suitable habitat in Nepal, Bhutan and northern India. In winter some birds descend to lower altitudes and can even be seen in towns such as Les Baux-de- Provence, not far from the Camargue in southern France. Andean Cock-of-the-rock Why? A gaudy dayglow orange-red bird the size of a Jay that gathers in leks to dance and display. What’s not to like? Although relatively common and widespread in the Andes, this large member of the cotinga family is still a must-see bird for anyone visiting South America. At sites such as Jardin in Colombia the birds are completely at ease with human admirers and give breathtaking views as they prance about in the forest. Where? There are many great sites for this species in Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. It is the national bird of Peru, and sites in that country such as Manu will pay dividends. Alternatively The equally spectacular Guianan Cock-of the-rock has similarly magnetic appeal for visitors to the Guianas, northern Brazil, eastern Colombia and Venezuela. SIMON PAPPS Steller’s Sea Eagle Why? With a huge orange-yellow bill that looks like it’s been drawn on a cartoon bird, and striking plumage with white wing-coverts and tail, this eagle has a strong claim to be the mightiest and most distinctive of the world’s raptors. It breeds in the volcanic wilds of Kamchatka and adjacent coasts and its penchant for hanging out on frozen sea ice in the north of Japan during winter also lends an air of adventure to most people’s experiences with the species. Where? Due to the current political situation there are unlikely to be many tours to Russia right now, so winter in Japan is the best way to see this iconic bird. The Nemuro Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido is famed for winter gatherings of hundreds of these eagles on the sea ice. The species’ winter range extends down into northern Honshu and I have seen birds around coastal islands not far north of Sendai. Alternatively Various other eagle species are also worth making an e ort to seek out, not least Harpy Eagle in South and Central America, with Brazil, Guyana and Panama o ering good opportunities, and Philippine Eagle, particularly on the southern island of Mindanao. White-necked Rockfowl Why? An unusual and charismatic bird from dense forests of West Africa. The old evocative name of Yellow- headed Picathartes adds even more intrigue – “I’m going on an expedition in search of picathartes.” And it feels like an expedition! My encounter with this bird began in a remote village in Ghana. A local guide led us in sweltering heat and humidity deep into the forest, with the occasional machete cut required to clear a path, until eventually a rocky outcrop appeared where we discreetly sat and waited. And waited. Finally, a jaw-dropping, big-eyed, bald-headed bird bounded in on long legs as if on a pogo stick and treated us to a remarkable show as it went about its business around the rocks. Where? Found locally in forests in West Africa from Guinea to Ghana, with the latter country perhaps o ering the best accessibility. Alternatively Its close relative, the equally remarkable Grey-necked Rockfowl, can be found in Cameroon, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. There are few gaudier birds in the world than Andean Cock-of- the-rock. CHRIS VAN RIJSWIJK (WWW.AGAMI.NL)