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        Announcement 簡訊通告 >> Outings / Activities 戶外活動 / 講座 >>  Outings and Locations
        
(Message started by: Andy_R on Nov 7^th, 2004, 10:07am)

Title: Outings and Locations
Post by Andy_R on Nov 7^th, 2004, 10:07am

First I apologize for making my first post a request for information; I tried to get the answers on your site, and have indeed got many, but I still need help. Given that I am unable to complete an outing registration form in time for the Nov 14 trip to Lantau, is it still possible for me to join the group? I am arriving in HK Nov 10, so I doubt I can get the form to arrive in time.

Also, is there a book or pamphlet I can obtain on arrival that details some common birding areas? Or maybe one of you kind souls would allow me to tag along :) ? I will be in Kowloon City and all I know is the local parks there. My guidebooks show green areas all over HK, and I plan to explore these, but some pointers or guidance would be very much appreciated.

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by Betty on Nov 7^th, 2004, 3:12pm

Andy_R,

There is no need for pre-registration of Outings to Lantau on 14/Nov.04. Just join our team at Tung Chung MTR Station, Hang Seng Bank. 08:00 a.m.

You can either take the MTR at MongKok Station or Kowloon Tong Station to get there.

You may get a pamphlet on "Bird Watching In Hong Kong" at the Hong Kong Airport or contact HKBWS office Tel: 23774387

Anyway, your enquiry is much welcome.

Cheers
Betty

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by Andy_R on Nov 7^th, 2004, 9:46pm

That's great, Betty. Thank you! I'll be sure to pick up the pamphlet at the airport. And I am really looking forward to the outing and meeting some of your members.

I have the Birds of Hong Kong and South China by Clive Viney et al. I assume this to be the best guide for the area, but if anyone can suggest others, I would appreciate knowing what they are.

Finally, is the Lantau trip amenable to photography? I.e. is it fast paced such that stopping to take photos of some of the birds would be an annoyance to the group? I don't want to be a pest.... ;)

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by Betty on Nov 8^th, 2004, 10:00am

Andy_R

I would suggest "A Photographic Guide to the Birds Of Hong Kong" by HKBWS. This book contains 560 pages, with 760 bird photos of 343 species of H.K. Plus notes on identifciation & status of each species. Also, you can find informaiton on H.K. birding hotspots.

Most of the large bookstores in H.K. get this book. If you are a member you will have a discount when order directly from the HKBWS office. For further assistance, just feel free to call the office upon your arrival.

For the outings, we also take pictures. So bring along your camera to capture some souvenair back home.

I may not go but my husband will join 14/11 outings. Recongnise him by his gear then, 10D +300mm. ;D ;D

Cheers
Betty

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by DH on Nov 8^th, 2004, 5:47pm

Betty

We are not yet a member in HKBWS. My wife & I are bird watcher. We will flight in HK on 12th & we re free on 14th.
We wonder whether we could drop-by to join in this bird watching activity on 14th Sunday?

Regards, DH

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by Betty on Nov 8^th, 2004, 6:33pm

DH,

We welcome non members to join our outings. As the activity of 14/11 does'nt need pre-registration ( some other outings like Mai Po & sea trips do need application in advance), just drop by at the mentioned gathering place on time. The group usually will not wait for long, so be prompt.

Looking forward to meet you guys.
Betty

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by Andy_R on Nov 8^th, 2004, 9:32pm

Thanks again, Betty, for the information. I'll follow up on your book suggestion and I'll bring my camera on Sat.

I see other non-members are joining the outing. Looks like you'll have quite the cosmopolitan mix... ::)

I better start packing. I am staying at the Regal Oriental in Kowloon City; I am told they have internet access. If that is indeed the case, I'll be checking your board daily to stay on top of things. Otherwise, I'll be bringing my laptop for nothing...:'(

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by Betty on Nov 8^th, 2004, 10:42pm

Hi Andy_R,

You mean Sunday not Sat. :P
14/11 is Sunday.
I wish I can go.

Betty

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by Andy_R on Nov 9^th, 2004, 12:38am

Geez.... Good thing you pointed that out. I would have been waiting a long time at the station otherwise... :o Actually, that was a typo; I was planning on going to Macau on Saturday to fatten my wallet for shopping next week ::)

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by DH on Nov 9^th, 2004, 10:08am

Betty

Thank you ;)
We will be there.

Regards,
DH

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by DH on Nov 9^th, 2004, 10:52am

Betty
Sorry to trouble you again.
We have a NIKON D70 digital SLR. We consider to buy a lens in HK for bird-photo shooting (beginner). We think of SIGMA 300mm f2.8 with 1.4 or 2x converters.

Could you recommend where is good place to shop for camera lens & accessories? If you know the estimated price, please share. We stay at MONGKOK.

Thanks,
DH

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by Betty on Nov 9^th, 2004, 3:16pm

DH,

I am a newbie in taking bird photos. :P
Anyway, I have checked with the supplier this afternoon that Sigma 300mm f/2.8 is out of production.
Their suggestion is
Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8. at Hk$13,500.
1.4 x converter Hk$1,050.
2 x HK$1,300.
Supplier : Kowloon Photo Shop at Jordon.
Tel: 23849302 or 23850290

You can also check w/other shops if they hold stock of the 300mm tele lens.

Enjoy your stay in H.K.
Betty :D

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by me_domchan on Nov 9^th, 2004, 3:37pm

May be Sigma 80-400 OS or Nikkor 80-400 VR is a better choice for beginner.

Sigma 120-300/2.8 IMHO is way too heavy for beginner. You need a sturdy tripod for most of the shots.

You can try
Delon Photo @ HI-fi Center in
Shop 346-347, Ocean Center, Tsim Shai Tsui
Tel: 27300214, contact Mr. Elmen SIT.

Check for stock before you go.

;)

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by isaac_chan on Nov 9^th, 2004, 4:24pm

A piece of advice..... Don't use Nikon AF 80-400 VR for birding..... AF speed is really slow for taking bird photos.

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by me_domchan on Nov 9^th, 2004, 4:51pm

on 11/09/04 at 16:24:53, isaac_chan wrote:

A piece of advice..... Don't use Nikon AF 80-400 VR for birding..... AF speed is really slow for taking bird photos.

Oh..yes, I forgot it. So do Sigma.......
May I suggest Nikkor AF-S 300/4 to replace my recommendation? ;)

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by DH on Nov 9^th, 2004, 4:58pm

All
Thanks for your advice.

I heard a news of NIKON 300mm f2.8G VR lens. Is it avaiable in HONG KONG? Does it cost super-expensive? Anyone can share?

DH

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by isaac_chan on Nov 9^th, 2004, 5:17pm

AFS 300/2.8 VR is coming on January 2005. The suggested price is the same as AFS 200/2 VR.

AFS300/4 is light and sharp, you can also add 1.4x to it. But it is still not long enough, except you are planning to wait in bird hide for birds to come close.

Title: Re: Outings and Locations--Directions?
Post by Andy_R on Nov 12^th, 2004, 12:43pm

Sorry to be a pest yet again, but can someone give me more detailed directions on getting to Tung Chung? Message above suggests that I can get on a train from Mong Kok. Is that as easy as it is? Reason I am confused is that people I asked never heard of Tung Chung :'(

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by Betty on Nov 12^th, 2004, 5:36pm

Andy_R,

Here is the link for the MTR Station Map
http://www.hk-hotel.com/map_of_hong_kong_mtr_station.htm

Another bigger map but cannot link due to error of the page. Type the following address to view :
http://hk.geocities.com/okglue/mtr.htm

Take the MTR ( the Mass Transit Railway) not KCR ( Kowloon Canton Railway) at Mongkok, change at Lai King, get off at Tung Chung. For the locals, it is as easy as ABC.

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by Andy_R on Nov 13^th, 2004, 10:18am

Thank you yet again Betty... And it's is indeed easy as ABC for locals. But you have to ask the right question. Seems I was asking for something other than what I thought. At least that's what I am being told. I hope we have good weather tomorrow; am really itching to get out with knowledgable birders.

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by Andy_R on Nov 17^th, 2004, 11:23am

:) I just wanted to thank all those I met on the outing. Birds were a bit scarce, but the company was wonderful. I enjoyed myself and hope to be able to join other outings on my future visits here. I'll try to better time them with your scheduled outings ::).

I'd like to keep in touch, so if any of you would like to send me your email address, I'd very much like that. Finally, if any of you are in Toronto, please contact me if you need info.

Thanks again.

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by WH Or on Nov 17^th, 2004, 10:21pm

I am W.H.OR, Betty's husband. We all got wet shoes on that outing. This was my second time to have wet shoes. The first time was at Mei Po because of heavy raining. It was more worse, I got wet feet too. Anyway, I enjoyed those outings because of unusal. Tell us the bird's news in Toronto if you have any updated information. Please note that Betty has sent you a private message. Bye, keep in touch.

Title: Re: Outings and Locations
Post by DH on Nov 18^th, 2004, 10:18am

WH, Betty & all

We would like to express our thanks to you and all the birders in this outing. We enjoy the walk though we get our shoes wet.

We manage to buy our lens as well. We will try it in our next outing at Christmas Island.

DH & HSIU CHUN