Kristine,
I think I can help with the second question, having had a quick business
trip to Oahu not long ago. First, pick up a copy of The Birds of Hawaii
and the Tropical Pacific. You have time to order it and get it
delivered. If you live in N. VA you can borrow mine.
Most of the birds you will see on Oahu are established introductions.
You will readily find them at the parks in downtown Honolulu, at Waikiki
beach. Of the native birds, the Common White Tern (Fairy Tern in the
book) is easy now that it nests in trees downtown at Waikiki. An
adaptation since it used to nest on off shore islands. Look off shore
from the parks and overlooks on the Southeast corner of the island for
Masked and Red-footed Boobies. Scope is helpful, although they
sometimes come close.
Spotted Dove, Zebra Dove, Red vented & Red-Whiskered Bulbuls, Japanese
White-eye, Northern and Red-Crested Cardinals, Common Waxbill, Scaley
Breasted and Black Headed Munias (Nutmeg and Chestnut Manikins in the
book) and Java Sparrows are all found in the cultivated park areas, but
you will need to go to many to get them all. I found the Munias easier
at Schofield Barracks than in Honolulu. There is a back issue of
Birding that tells where to get an established grassquit, yellow-faced I
think. I didn't have time so didn't go. Also, in the wilder eastern
and northern parts of the island you can find Red Junglefowl.
Best of luck,
Alan
Linda Fields/Alan Schreck
-----Original Message-----
From: va-bird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:va-bird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Kristine M Rogers
Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2004 1:01 PM
To: va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [va-bird] Need camera advice and Hawaii birding recommendations
I'm going on a sort of last-minute vacation to Hawaii in just under two
weeks, and am now looking for recommendations on the following two
topics:
1. I'm looking for a nice digital camera that not only would be good for
typical touristy photographs, but also for capturing good pictures of
birds
and other wildlife. Also, it should be something with a fairly high
memory
capacity (yes, I know I can purchase memory cards separately too).
Approximately how much money will I have to shell out? What are some
good
types/brands? What should I look for when making my purchase?
2. I haven't been to Hawaii since my family lived there when I was
little.
Sadly enough, the only birds I remember during my stay there are
cardinals,
house sparrows, mynahs, bulbuls, and the nene. What else should I be on
the
lookout for during my trip? I think we'll be spending the entire
vacation
on Oahu. Are there any good Hawaiian bird field guides? Even better,
does
anyone know of any official (short, maybe day-long) birding trips that
might
be taking place there during the first week of March?
Any and all advice appreciated!
-- kmr
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