A Complete Guide to Photographing the Divine Bird, the Red-billed Chough, at Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La

Shangri-La, the closest place to heaven Encounter the guardian divine bird of Songzanlin Monastery—the Red-billed Chough🦅 Locals regard it as a symbol of good fortune, a spirit of this sacred land✨ At first glance, it looks like a large black eagle soaring Upon closer look, you’ll discover its unique spirituality Remember these little tips to identify its appearance: 🐦 Red-billed Chough features: • A "little black spirit" about 40cm tall • Shines with a blue-green metallic luster under sunlight • Distinctive slender red bill • Elegant slender legs like a magazine model 🦅 Common eagle features: • Always showing off a big bulky body • Mostly dressed in dark brown tones • Signature hooked beak and thick claws 📍 Songzanlin Monastery pilgrimage tips: Ticket: 90 RMB/person (includes sightseeing bus) Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM Friendly reminder⚠️: Please hold a sincere heart This is a sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism Do not play around or speak disrespectfully 📸 Divine bird photography guide: Best shooting times: Morning 7-9 AM for the bird’s morning exercise Evening 5-6 PM for its return Professional camera settings: Shutter speed no less than 1/1000s Use a telephoto lens over 200mm Recommended RAW + continuous shooting mode Stunning composition suggestions: • Divine bird soaring high + golden roof background • Rule of thirds composition to highlight sacredness • Capture the moment of wings spreading for the most breathtaking shot