I was instrumental in making Beidaihe in east China a hotspot for travelling birdwatchers. After leading and co-leading migration surveys at the town from 1985 to 1990, I helped launch birding tourism there, initially through planning and co-leading Sunbirder tours.
I also promote nature tourism in Hong Kong – though so far, nature tourists are overwhelmingly people who live in Hong Kong. I have co-led birding tours with companies including Limosa, Ornitholidays and Sunbirder. Became director of a small nature tour company, FirstStep Nature Tours (focused on Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve; company since closed).
Nowadays, I lead private birding tours to Mai Po in association with WWF Hong Kong. Usual fee for day – which can include another site or two – is HK$2800, plus transport (perhaps public transport, or taxi for day around HK$2200), and HK$250 per person to WWF Hong Kong for Mai Po permit.
I also organise and lead educational outings for school groups: see School outings to hidden Hong Kong experiencing wild places and wildlife.
Please contact me if you are interested in birding at Mai Po, and perhaps other sites such as Tai Po Kau forest reserve, Long Valley or even on Lantau island.
While see an article I’ve done on my Hong Kong Outdoors website, Hong Kong birding sites.
Feedback I have received includes:
“We had a wonderful time with you, seeing a side of Hong Kong most people never do.”
“I really enjoyed the full experience–very special birds, the splendor of migration and tidal action, our fellow-visitors, and your excellent company.”
“t was a great day and thoroughly enjoyed it….even the yellow wagtails looked sort of exotic!”
“thank you again for such a memorable day with you at Mai Po. I can’t wait to come again! “
“Great to go out with you yesterday! It was fabulous.”
“24 lifers in Hong Kong. Thank you for 2 wonderful days of birding.”
“Just a note to thank you for a most enjoyable morning’s birding in Hong Kong. It was very good to meet you and to benefit from your deep knowledge.”
“Thank you for such a splendid and memorable day last Friday. The sights and sounds of the mudflats and the exceptional views and variety of birds we saw will stay with us for ever. Guides always take the stick if things go wrong so I think you should take all the credit for getting everything spot on when they go so right.”
“We enjoyed our birding/ nature trip very much. When we edit our photos, we will send a few of the better ones. Thanks again for your time and expertise, and for helping to make our Hong Kong trip very pleasant.”
“Wow, still in awe of the show that bird [an Oriental Stork] put on!!
Thanks again. I saw 68 species, pretty remarkable for a half day, little migration, and tide wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
