Much of the spectacular Buddhist artwork that we see in Bhutan is hundreds of years old. This is pure 21st Century. Photo by Josh Engel.

Technicolored. Photo by Josh Engel.

Photo by Josh Engel.

We were lucky to see a group of the rare Fire-tailed Myzornis doing some sort of display. Photo by Josh Engel.

We found the critically endangered White-bellied Heron at the 11th hour. Photo by Josh Engel.

A rare specialty of the Eastern Himalayas. Photo by Josh Engel.

We got some information about where a Hodgson’s Frogmouth had been seen recently and were lucky enough to get great views of the magnificent and rare bird. Photo by Josh Engel.

Photo by Josh Engel.

These endangered cranes were arriving to the Probjhika Valley when we were there. Not only did we see around 100 on the ground, we also migrants arriving as we drove across the country. Photo by Josh Engel.

Photo by Josh Engel.

Photo by Josh Engel.

Photo by Josh Engel.

Photo by Josh Engel. 

Bhutan is land of the wren-babbler. This Near-threatened species is found only in the eastern Himalayas and is readily heard--if not readily seen--in Bhutan. Photo by Josh Engel. 

One of about 15 species of laughingthrushes that we can see in Bhutan, these White-throated Laughingthrushes are eating rice along the roadside. Photo by Josh Engel

One of several spectacular pheasants that occur in Bhutan. Photo by Josh Engel.

Three species of langurs inhabit Bhutan. Photo by Josh Engel. 

One of the first thing that tourists see when they land in Paro is this beautiful bridge over the Paro River, with Paro Dzong in the background. Photo by Josh Engel. 

One of Bhutan's iconic birds, which is still common in the country despite having become rare in much of the rest of its range. 

Golden Langur is nearly endemic to Bhutan and is easily seen in the central part of the country. Photo by Josh Engel.

The only bird with Bhutan in its name! Photo by Josh Engel.

Himalayan pika taxonomy is poorly understood. Many species occur in Bhutan, but the exact number is unknown. 

Photo by Josh Engel. 

Clear days mean spectacular views of the mighty Himalayas, especially in autumn and especially in western Bhutan. This is the view of the spectacular high pass Pele La. Photo by Josh Engel.

The winter home of the royal family, the spectacular Punakha Dzong is located at the confluence of two rivers. Conveniently, it's also located near excellent birding. Photo by Josh Engel.

One of Bhutan's iconic birds, Satyr Tragopan is a shy, beautiful pheasant that tends to stay deep in the Himalayan forest. Photo by Josh Engel.

Photo by Josh Engel.

The world's rarest wading bird, there are fewer than 250 of these Critically Endangered Himalayan river-dwellers left. Bhutan, from late fall to early spring, is the best place anywhere to see it. Photo by Josh Engel.

A common member of high-elevation mixed-species flocks. Photo by Josh Engel.

An enigmatic, irruptive bird that is not seen on every trip. Photo by Josh Engel.

Because of the good habitat throughout the country, Bhutan has excellent populations of raptors. Photo by Josh Engel.

This spectacular temple is located in the "Valley of the Cranes," where our November trip should see Black-necked Crane. Photo by Josh Engel.

Hunting is not a part of Bhutanese culture, so birds like this that are hunted out in many populated places across their Asian range are still common in Bhutan. Photo by Josh Engel.

Photo by Josh Engel.

Locally known as Taksang, this is Bhutan's most famous temple. Many of ours tours devote the final morning to taking the wonderful hike to visit this cliff-side monestery. Photo by Josh Engel.