Mai Po Marshes by Neil Fifer

Even the Common Munias, Taylorbirds and Magpies will have you hooked on Hong Kong without venturing further than the local park. But venture we will to the infamous Tai Po Marshes where thousands of birds stop at the "Scrape" to feed before flying onward. And to the mature forests of native trees for the memorable Minivets. And finally to the islands that give the area its shape and texture - Exotic Hong Kong.

Itinerary Day Before....... April 2010. This day is envisaged as your travel day to Hong Kong, unless you have arrived earlier. You can catch the excellent train right to our Sha Tin hotel in the New Territories (with one easy change), where we will be staying for the next 4 nights.

Black Kite by Neil Fifer

Day 2

Late start today with breakfast down in the hotel restaurant at 8.00am and then we will be heading up to the beautiful woodlands of Tai Po Kau Forest Reserve. The leafy beauty will enchant you as will the Scarlet Minivets in their livid orange -red and black and equally as bright the female in dazzling yellow. Quite a duo and this is only the begining, with the striking Chestnut Bulbul, the dark beauty of Hainan Blue Flycatchers, and Crested Serpent Eagles circling above - we will be racing into the famed mystery of the east.....

Picnic Lunch here and then out from the woodlands to the open country of the delightful small farms in Ho Chung Valley, with Grey and White Wagtails, Little Buntings, Olive Pipits and Siberian Stonechats highly likely and the Nam Wai tidal pond worth checking for waders.

Of course please note that Dr Martin our indupitable guide may change the line up of top spots but rest assured that he knows best and will take us where the best birding is on the day.

Returning to the hotel dinner will be served after an hour's recuperation at about 7.00pm and an early night after a day's aclimatisation.

Scarlet Minivets by Neil Fifer

Day 3

The infamous Tai Po Marshes are on the agenda today. These superb wetlands comprise of a thick belt of coastal mangroves and a series of large tidal and non-tidal ponds used for the production of shrimps and fish. Feeding the wonderous arrany of waders like the resident Black-faced Spoonbills and even Spoonbilled Sandpipers. The sesational Dalmation Pelicans are present this time of year as are Black and Oriental Storks, Spotted Redshanks, Widgeon, Falcated Teal, Gadwall and Pintails. Let alone the Buzzards, Spotted and Imperial Eagles. Deep Bay provides high tide roost for shorebirds right on the very beautiful edge of the Chinese border. Chinese Pond Herons are abundant and Pied Kingfishers will take your breath away as they drop like F18s in the pond right outside the Visitors Centre. A rememorable day is promised.

Pied Avocets by Neil Fifer

Day 4

A ferry ride out into the archipelago of 260 islands through the South China Sea where we will experience the island life. Country hamlets with Common Rosefinch, Dusky and Yellow-browed Warbler add to the traditional village character of small temples and shrines in narrow alley ways. We will explore trails through mangroves, secondary forest and grasslands looking for leaf warblers and buntings. Along these old pirate waters we will also be on the lookout for raptors, gulls, terns and herons.

White-backed Munia by Neil Fifer

Day 5

The tour ends after breakfast leaving you with a day of free time to explore central business (and shopping district) of Hong Kong Island. The parks of Hong Kong are definitely worth an investigation for wonderful birds, in between visiting other traditional sites like The Peak or Disneyland........ Virgin Atlantic departs at 7.20pm arriving the next morning Saturday 11th at 7.10am.

Contact us for more information.

For Bookings:
Please phone Follow That Bird to check if seats are available then fill in the booking form and mail with the deposit or full payment to Follow That Bird, 3/59 Central Road, Avalon, NSW 2107. Your place on the tour is not guaranteed until we receive the payment.

Follow That Bird aims to provide a high standard of interpretive guiding on each trip to make your birdwatching holiday a special one. With small groups, attention to personal service and lots of good fun, we're sure you will enjoy your time with us.

If you have any unanswered questions, please phone Follow That Bird on 02 9973 1865