Bird watching Sites in Uganda : Birding is the observation of birds in their natural habitats as a hobby. In Uganda, it is a hobby considering that the country is rich in a variety of animal species. Uganda is a bird lover’s paradise, boasting more than 1,000 different bird species. The country’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems provide ideal habitats for various species that range from exotic forest birds to tall water cranes and majestic birds of prey. Birdwatching, or birding, is the observing of birds, either as a recreational activity or as a form of citizen science. A birdwatcher may observe by using their naked eye, by using a visual enhancement device like binoculars or a telescope, by listening for bird sounds, or by watching public webcams. Uganda is one of the most diverse and breathtaking birding destinations in Africa and the entire world. Bird species are so diverse and are a birdwatcher’s dream
Group birdwatching is usually done with binoculars and a telescope. Birdwatching often involves a significant auditory component, as many bird species are more easily detected and identified by ear than by eye. Most birdwatchers pursue this activity for recreational or social reasons, unlike ornithologists, who engage in the study of birds using formal scientific methods.
MABAMBA SWAMP
This is a great destination for birding, located on the edge of Lake Victoria. The epic bird site is a destination to over 300 bird species and its hosts the ‘’ Uganda’s most sought bird’’; the shoe bill bird plus other birds too like the rare shoebill stork, the Allen’s and purple Gallinule, grey herons, jacanas, Ruffaus squaco, globally threatened Pallid Harrier among others giving bird lovers a lot to see. This wet land is found on the western part of Entebbe, occupying about hectares of land containing thick Papyrus cover, water lilies, and other grasses. This is done from a motorized wooden boat, and the swamp is just a 20 minute drive from Kasanje landing.
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL GAME PARK
Located in Uganda’s west region.The game park was named after the former United Kingdom queen. Queen Elizabeth.It generally occupies an area of 1978 square meters ,nestled on the adjacent Lake Edward up to the peak of the Western Rift Valley eastern escarpment. Known for housing the tree climbing lions and basically a famous destination for bird watching in Uganda, with a listed number of over 550 bird species, diversely in its open woodlands, open grass lands, lakes and permanent swamps. And a boat cruise along the kazinga channel takes to a breathless spectation of the aquatic species like the white faced whistling, spur-winged plovers, land long-tailed cormorants, African Jacana. Whereas in the park, you will lucky to spot birds like black beef eater, African fish eagle, white winged terns including others. Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth is another bird haven spot you can visit, Bird watching Sites in Uganda.
LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Another top birding area is Lake Mburo park with over 350 bird species mostly viewed in the swampy valleys of Miriti and Warukiri ,forest, and Road sides along Rwonyo camp, Jetty and Rubanga forest. The park is a dream destination who anyone who wants to spot birds like Red-headed love bird, grey crowned crane, Ross’s Turaco, wood pecker, brown parrot, coqul Francolin and many more, this smallest savannah national park is the only location to the red faced Barbet species in Uganda, Bird watching Sites in Uganda.
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL GAME PARK
Famously known home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas; Bwindi is also a rich bird destination as a result of its dense forest vegetation ,hosting about 350 bird species, and an only destination to 14 of them in Uganda. The most common bird watching spots here are the Buhoma waterfalls, Mubwindi swamp trail, Bamboo zone that offer you glimpses of birds such as the the Rwenzori double-collared, strang weaver, regal sunbird, yellow-eyed black flycatcher,Grauer’s Rush among others you will be viewing when you visit the ancient forest.
SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK
A famous destination known for hosting the Sempaya hot springs, found in Bundibugyo district offering an excellent safari experiences since it also a home to mammals and 400 bird species. With a rich collection of forest birds such as the guinea- Congo forest biomes, capuchin, crested fly catcher, orange weaver among others making it one of Uganda’s top birding destinations.
LAKE BUNYONYI
For birders, Lake Bunyonyi is also a great location for your favourite activity nestled with over 200 bird species. The majestic place of little birds, Bunyonyi is open view to birds like the herons, egrets, African harrier hawk, levillant cuckoo, cardinal woodpecker, this stunning lake is located in the South western Uganda with spectacular views of the terraced hills.
Other destinations to look forward to bird watching in Uganda include; the Murchison falls national Game Park, Mabira forest, kibale national Game Park. Best done in the wet seasons of the country when the vegetation is more vibrant and this is in the months of January, March, July, August and September.
