EricB

Trying to sort out a short trip either side of a conference for Philippine Eagle & Palawan Peacock Pheasant near the end of November. I just had a quote for the Mt Kitanglan part of the trip - 3 days at US$1600 including a guide , transport, food and permits but no flights.I was quite surprised at the price and I'm pretty sure I don't want to spend this amount of money for a chance at the Eagle when its not nailed down to a nest!
2 days birding  on Palawan for the Pheasant with a guide,permits and transport(including a boat to the Pheasant) but no accommodation or flights  was offered to me for US$ 900; which also has me raising my eyebrows.Has anyone done either of these areas for a more reasonable price? I'd be very grateful if anyone has any useful suggestions or thoughts on the matter.
With kind regards,
Eric

IMG_8234 WBOP e-mail view.jpg (94.07 KB)
Not the Philippine Eagle

20/09/2011 06:15

EricB

Thanks Captain & John for that information.The Palawan part of the trip is sorted and it sounds like I'll be fine on my own.I like the sound of walking to the Rangers Station for dawn.
The Eagle is a pain and if I can find 1-2 people to share the cost  I might still go for it.John's comments on an organised trip are sounding more realistic.
It seems likely that I'll just chip away at the Mt Makiling area and shelve my Eagle dreams for the moment.
My brother tells me I should be dreaming of Western Papua, where the real mind boggling birds are.Shame there doesn't appear to be much light on the forest floor!
E

IMG_8470 WP e-mail view.jpg (94.87 KB)

23/09/2011 05:37

[ Last edited by EricB at 24/09/2011 20:24 ]

EricB

As I've got about 5.5 days before my meeting I'm think of doing Mt Makiling and perhaps Subic Bay now.My main problem is likely to revolve round transport. I'm thinking of hiring a car but I am unsure how easy or difficult it would be to self drive.I'd happily hire a driver but I really don't know where to turn now that Tim is gone.Philippines birding adventure gave be such a stupid quote (US$210) for 1 day non birding driver on Palawan that I am loathe to ask them again.I can hire a car for a week for twice that much!
Of those of you who have been , do you think it's a reasonable idea to self drive or sheer madness?
With kind regards,Eric
P.S. Whether or not you need convincing that either of the photos above are living creatures you might want to check out these links!
http://www.arkive.org/wilsons-bi ... blica/video-00.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOXOuMQ4hHw

[ Last edited by EricB at 24/09/2011 20:24 ]

EricB

I've now have an offer for  the Eagle at Mt Kitanglad for  2pax: US$900,3pax:800 & 4 pax : 700. 3 nights and 4 days.No flights included but everything else seems catered for.The internal flight is 6000PHP return (About HK$1080).Budikon Woodcock,Apo Mynah & Blue capped Wood Kingfisher in the deal I hope.Mark Villa would be the guide.
Let me know asap if anyone wants to join in.
I have another quote for £595 (1 pax) for 3 days via a non birding company apparently with a 'technical guide' (but no food) so it seems likely I'm going to go for it either way.I have requested prices for more people and an extra day.Aiming for sometime between 24 and 29 Nov.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K_G6xQGduw&feature=fvwrel

Eric

[ Last edited by EricB at 29/09/2011 18:51 ]

EricB

There has been some limited interest in the Eagle trip.
If you are keen to do this trip  please let me know before midnight on Friday the 7th Oct HK time please.
Here are the final  quotes:4 days and 3nights between 24 and 29th Nov 2011
Package 1: top notch bird guide:no flights(internal flight cost approx HK$1080): 2 pax US$ 900,3 pax : 800 and 4 pax 700
Package 2: unknown 'techanical guide'.With Manila to Mindanao internal return flight.
2 pax:US$930,3 pax:775 and 4 pax 660
All normal ground costs included.
Cheers,
Eric

EricB

I suppose you are talking about Tim Fisher's death? Hard to believe it's only a year ago.
I've been meaning to do the Eagle and Pheasant for many years, always assumed it would be sorted via Tim. We go back a long way, from when he used to live and bird in HK in the 70's.
Just goes to show, there's only one thing we can guarantee..... none of us bird/live forever.
E

[ Last edited by EricB at 4/10/2011 18:10 ]