ABOUT THE BIRDING

Bayan Lake is a small saline lake in the steppe grassland of central Mongolia. The lake shoreline is partly covered by marsh with reeds and tall grasses. Most of the land surrounding the lake is used for grazing livestock. After heavy rains the entire valley becomes flooded. The lake is important nesting area for Swan Geese, White-naped Cranes, Great Bustards, and Relict Gulls. Also possible there are Hooded Cranes, a species mainly occurring in NE Mongolia. It's also an important stopping area for migratory waterfowl including Ruddy Shelduck, Demoiselle Cranes, and a variety of shorebirds. A localized nesting species in the reedbeds is Bearded Reedling. Other interesting passerines near the lake include Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler, Pere David's Snowfinch, Pallas's Bunting, and Reed Bunting.

LOCATION OF SITE

Bayan Lake is located in western Mongolia between the Tarvagatai and Altai mountain ranges.

OTHER LOCALES

• Arvaikheer Vicinity
• Bat-Ulzii
• Buuntsagaan Lake
• Gun Galuut
• Hustai National Park
• Ikh Bogd mountain in the Altai Range
• Khongoryn Els
• Mongol Altai Mountains
• Orog Lake
• Terelj National Park
• Ugii Nuur/Lake
• Yolyn Am