subject: Uganda, a Complete Pleasure for Those Who Treasure Birds [print this page] Uganda, a Complete Pleasure for Those Who Treasure Birds
If you are a bird watcher, tweeting and chirping surely must be your favourite sounds. Uganda bird sanctuaries resound plentifully with these sounds as the country hosts over 1010 rare bird species. Bird watching in Uganda is therefore the best way to get close to some magnificent avifauna. Among the most distinguished reserves in Uganda, the following are the ones that you must visit if you are an ardent birder.
Mabamba Swamp
The swamp is located about 50 km west of Kampala. The wetland is a newly discovered habitat for the shoebill, the most sought after bird in Uganda. Here birding is done on canoes in marsh channels. Available species of birds include white-winged Warbler, Northern Brown throated weaver.
Budongo Forest
Gazetted in 1932, Budongo Forest covers an area of about 793 sq km. The forest is one of the largest and most scenic forests in Uganda. It is another great birding destination in Uganda. It lies enroute the Murchison Falls National Parks and hosts several rare bird species including the African dwarf kingfisher, African crowned eagle, white headed barbet, Black billed barbet, Madagascar Heron and several others.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most-visited and best birding game reserve. It supports a remarkable 612 species of rare birds. The second largest in the country, the park itself lies on the rift valley floor a scenically beautiful area in every aspect. An exceptional variety of birds present here includes Pelicans, Swallons, Weavers, Storks, Skimmers, etc. Ardent birders always visit the park to establish how such number of birds can be habitants in one place.
Lake Mburo National Park
Nestled between the districts of Masaka and Mbarara, Lake Mburo National Park is a comparatively small national park in Uganda. However, it is a very special spot for birding enthusiasts. It contains an extensive wetland which plays host to countless bird species which include the green backed woodpecker, white-winged warbler, Yellow-billed oxpecker and several water animals.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
This is another natural reserve for rare avian population in the country and celebrated Uganda birding safaris destination . Situated along the Western border of Uganda, the park was gazetted in 1991. Over 350 species of avifauna have been reported from this 996 sq km. Park out of which one third are migrants. You will find birds like Rwenzori Turaco, Montane Nightjar, Dwarf honeyquide, blue-headed, sun birds, etc.
