DOCSLIB.ORG

Uganda Highlights 30Th May to 10Th June 2019 (12 Days) Trip Report

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Uganda Highlights 30Th May to 10Th June 2019 (12 Days) Trip Report Uganda Highlights 30th May to 10th June 2019 (12 days) Trip Report Shoebill by Daniel Keith Danckwerts Tour Leader: Daniel Keith Danckwerts Trip Report – RBL Uganda - Highlights 2019 2 Tour Summary This new shortened itinerary, covering only the best birding sites across Uganda in just 12 days, culminated in a bird list of 430 species which included many of Africa’s most sought after birds (including a staggering 21 Albertine Rift endemics). Our two most enjoyable sightings were of the beyond mythical Green- breasted Pitta – walk-away views, after a gruelling 6-hour search – and a nesting pair of Grauer’s Broadbill! Other notable species were the impressive Shoebill (3 individuals seen), Papyrus and Black-headed Gonoleks, all three of the realistic Albertine endemic sunbirds (Purple-breasted, Blue- headed, and Regal), Neumann’s Warbler, Red-throated and Fire-crested Alethes, the recently split Willard’s and Mountain (Albertine) Sooty Boubous, White-spotted Flufftail, Ruwenzori Nightjar, Handsome Francolin, Bar-tailed Trogon, the impossible Dusky and Barred Long-tailed Cuckoos, Dwarf Honeyguide, both Uganda and Red-faced Woodland Warblers, Lowland and Mountain Masked Apalises, Nahan’s Partridge and many, many more. Uganda is also the capital of primate diversity in Africa. Species we encountered were the magical Eastern Gorilla and Chimpanzee, Guereza, Central African Red Colobus, the endemic Ugandan Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Olive Baboon, Blue Monkey, and the difficult L’Hoest’s Monkey. Other notable species included Kob, African Elephant, Hippopotamus, African Buffalo, Yellow-backed and Black- fronted Duikers, and Ishasha’s (the southern section of Queen Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo by Daniel Elizabeth National Park) famous tree-climbing Lions. Uganda Keith Danckwerts really is ‘the Pearl of Africa.’ ___________________________________________________________________________________ Tour in Detail Uganda is arguably one of Africa’s top birdwatching and game viewing destinations, supporting such a high biodiversity and natural beauty that Winston Churchill wrote “For magnificence, for variety of form and colour, for profusion of brilliant life — bird, insect, reptile, beast — for vast scale — Uganda is truly ‘the Pearl of Africa’.” Needless to say, one could absolutely smell the excitement in the air as we met at our hotel in Entebbe for an introductory dinner. It was then straight to bed for everyone, though I think few of us managed a full night’s Papyrus Gonolek by Daniel Keith Danckwerts sleep given the levels of excitement! We were up bright and early the following morning for the first official day of the tour. We trucked out through the Rockjumper Birding Tours View more tours to Uganda Trip Report – RBL Uganda - Highlights 2019 3 bustling outer suburbs of Entebbe and into the community lands where endless villages parted, only to accommodate dense plantain and banana plantations. It was in these areas that we added our first bird species to the tour list: Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, African Openbill, Woodland, and Striped Kingfishers, Eastern Plantain Eater, and the impressive Great Blue Turaco. Arriving at the Mabamba Swamp, we quickly explored a small area of grassland and mesic savannah. Here we found Fan-tailed Widowbird, the jewel-like Red- headed Lovebird, Yellow-throated Longclaw, African Marsh Harrier, Grey-headed Gull, and the sweet-singing Rufous-naped Lark. We boarded a pair of traditional fishing boats and worked our way towards the centre of the swamp, situated along the very edge of the expansive Lake Victoria. Here, we had a special date planned with a very special bird. It was, of course, the Shoebill – arguably one of the most impressive and pre-historic looking birds in the world. It took longer than Chimpanzee by Daniel Keith Danckwerts expected but we were eventually rewarded with point-blank views of one bird standing motionless at the edge of the swamp, and an additional two individuals seen flying over our boats and landing somewhere deep in the papyrus. Other notable species included the uncommon and nomadic Weyns’s Weaver, Papyrus Gonolek, Goliath and Purple Herons, African Jacana, Palm-nut Vulture, and Swamp Flycatcher. Happy with our success, we returned to shore and immediately transferred to a favourite lunch spot. Here we enjoyed daytime sightings of a Bat Hawk, as well as Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill and Yellow- rumped Tinkerbird. With a fair distance still to travel, we loaded up again and navigated the crazy Kampala traffic sighting Hooded Vulture and the grotesque Marabou Stork in the city centre. Once we reached the open road again, it was straight through to the Luweero Swamp where we found the uncommon (Hartlaub’s) Marsh and Yellow-mantled Widowbirds. Continuing onwards, we sighted several Dark Chanting Goshawks and Long-crested Eagles by the roadside. Kafu Ranches was the next scheduled stop. This renowned site is fantastic for White-crested Turaco – arguably African Skimmer by Daniel Keith Danckwerts the most beautiful member of this endemic African family – and it didn’t take long before we were rewarded with a single bird perched prominently for us. Other interesting species seen were the Western Banded Snake Eagle, White-headed Barbet, Speckled Mousebird, Little Weaver, and aptly named Beautiful Sunbird. We arrived after dark at our destination, the town of Masindi, so we quickly settled in and enjoyed a fabulous dinner. Hundreds of Rockjumper Birding Tours View more tours to Uganda Trip Report – RBL Uganda - Highlights 2019 4 African Straw-coloured Fruit Bats could be seen (and heard!) flying around our hotel in a fruiting tree. Next day, we drove towards the Royal Mile section of the Budongo Forest. Farm bush en route produced the adorable Black-bellied Firefinch, Heuglin’s Francolin, Red-faced and Whistling Cisticolas, Vieillot’s Black and Compact Weavers, African Yellow Warbler, Red-headed Quelea and a distant pair of Grey Parrots. As we approached the forest, our list grew exponentially. White-thighed Hornbill, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Chocolate-backed and African Pygmy Kingfishers, Yellow-crested Woodpecker, and Purple-headed Starling were just a few of the additions found within the first few minutes. Greenbuls were abundant and we found the Spotted, White- throated, Little, Little Grey, and Yellow- whiskered Greenbuls, as well as the incredibly shy Red-tailed Bristlebill. Throughout the rest of the day, we slowly notched up several other great species. The rare Uganda Woodland Warbler and Lemon- Spur-winged Lapwing by Daniel Keith Danckwerts bellied Crombec proved challenging, given the height of the forest canopy, though we eventually found both species feeding lower as part of a mixed-species foraging flock. This particular flock also contained the glistening Red-headed Malimbe, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Ituri Batis, and Dusky Tit. In a different section of the forest, we found a responsive pair of Nahan’s Partridge. A long game of tug-o- war eventually had the male running in circles in the middle of the trail giving rare unobstructed views. A small stream nearby also held the diminutive African Dwarf Kingfisher – Africa’s smallest kingfisher measuring just 8cm between bill and tail – as well Blue-breasted Kingfisher. We chanced our luck with a calling Blue-shouldered Robin-chat and White-spotted Flufftail but were only successful in getting glimpses of the latter. A mixed flock then passed overhead, containing Spotted Greenbul, Crested Malimbe, Narina Trogon, and both Grey-headed and White-breasted Nigritas. The Royal Mile also gave us several interesting primate species including a pair of Chimpanzee, the Red-tailed and Blue Monkeys, and Olive Baboon. A superb Green-breasted Pitta by Daniel Keith Danckwerts introduction to the birds and mammals of the central African rainforest! We returned to Masindi for the evening, where we enjoyed yet another delicious traditional dinner, followed by a much-appreciated early night. The next day was a long travel day, as we slowly made our way south towards Kibale Forest National Park. The drive took the better part of the entire day, broken by several short birding stops. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t in our favour, but we persevered nonetheless and came away with several great birds. Rockjumper Birding Tours View more tours to Uganda Trip Report – RBL Uganda - Highlights 2019 5 The first stop was in the Murro area where we easily found our main target – the simply gorgeous Brown Twinspot. We watched a male as it fed along the main track, then flew into some dense shrubbery where it called at length. Here we also sighted White-chinned Prinia, Red-headed Quelea, Black Bishop, Black Cuckoo (including both the gabonensis and clamosus subspecies), Fawn-breasted Waxbill, and Black-crowned Waxbill. Carrying on further still, a quick roadside stop gave us Black-and-white Shrike Flycatcher and Black-and-white Mannikin. We eventually arrived in the Sebitole section of the Kibale Forest National Park. An hour in this area gave us the localised Lowland Masked Apalis, Joyful Greenbul, Black- throated Apalis, Petit’s Cuckooshrike, Cassin’s Honeybird, and White-chinned Tree-climbing Lion by Daniel Keith Danckwerts Prinia. After what seemed like forever, we eventually arrived at our gorgeous lodge in Kibale National Park in the late afternoon and sighted both Bronzy Sunbird and Yellow-bellied Waxbill as we were checking in. We made sure to have an early night given that the following day was the earliest start of the tour. We were up and walking into the heart of the Kibale Forest before dawn the following morning, in search of the mythical Green-breasted Pitta. Until about 10 years ago, this rare species was only known from a few sporadic sightings at sites in and around the Congo Basin and, until 2005, the species was widely regarded as the least known and most difficult Pitta in the world. Then, in 2005, a group of chimpanzee trackers stumbled upon a pair of pittas in a deep, dark section of the Kibale Forest.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Status of Biodiversity in Echuya Central Forest Reserve, Sw Uganda
    THE STATUS OF BIODIVERSITY IN ECHUYA CENTRAL FOREST RESERVE, SW UGANDA By Assoc. Prof. Robert Bitariho (PhD) - Project Leader Dr Dennis Babaasa (PhD) - Specialist small mammals, birds and vegetation Badru Mugerwa (MSc) - Specialist Large mammals/camera trapping Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation, Mbarara University of Science and Technology A Report to Nature Uganda November 2015 1 Table of contents TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 4 LIST OF FIGURES 5 LIST OF TABLES 6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 8 1. INTRODUCTION 10 1.1 Study Rationale 12 2. OVERALL AIM AND STUDY OBJECTIVES 13 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS 13 3.1 Large mammals diversity and distribution 13 3.2 Small mammal, bird and plant diversity and distribution 14 3.3. Data analysis 16 4.0 RESULTS 19 4.1 Large mammals diversity and distribution 19 4.2 Environmental variables along the transects 27 4.3 Small mammal diversity and distribution 27 4.4 Diversity and distribution of birds 36 4.5 Diversity and distribution of trees 46 4.6 Diversity and distribution of shrubs and herbs 55 4.6 Distribution of human activities 59 2 5.0 DISCUSSION 65 5.1Diversity and distribution of large mammals 65 5.2 Diversity and distribution of small mammals 68 5.3 Diversity and distribution of birds 69 5.4 Diversity and distribution of trees 70 5.4 Diversity and distribution of shrubs and herbs 72 5.5 Distribution of human activities 72 5.6 Conclusion 73 5.7 Specific Recommendations 74 6. REFERENCES 76 7 APPENDICES 82 3 Acknowledgements We would like to thank Nature Uganda (NU) for initiating and funding this survey, in particular we would like to thank Achilles Byaruhanga (NU-Executive Director) for making crucial comments on the research proposal methods that shaped up this study.
    [Show full text]
  • Uganda Birds & Gorillas Trip Report
    Uganda Birds & Gorillas Trip Report 18th July to 5th August 2011 Green-breasted Pitta by Chris Goodie Trip Report Compiled by Tour Leader: David Hoddinott Tour Summary Uganda is not called the “pearl of Africa” for nothing. This country has a remarkable diversity of fauna and flora including a wonderful array of habitats, butterflies, primates and, most importantly, birds. In fact it vies with Ecuador and Columbia as being one of the birdiest countries in the World – this tiny Trip Report - RBT Uganda 2011 2 nation (approximately the size of Great Britain) has over 1000 species of birds! Uganda’s habitats vary incredibly from the vast Lake Victoria, the Nile, wetlands, mixed bushveld, grassland, broad-leaved woodland, mid-altitude and highland forest to the endemic rich forests around the Albertine Rift. With an average elevation over 1000m, it generally does not get too hot and therefore birds are active throughout the day. As a result, it seems that around every corner and in every habitat birds abound. A typical scenario whilst driving and conversing in the vehicle is being constantly interrupted because the guide shouts “Stop! There’s an interesting bird on the left”; and whilst stopped, “Oh, there’s another great bird on the right!” This happens repeatedly and if one had to stop for every species seen each day, one would arrive well after dark at one’s intended destination. Fortunately, however, most species are reasonably common here, unlike those tricky South American destinations, and this is great as it allows multiple opportunities to see them and also get to enjoy many species on several occasions.
    [Show full text]
  • A Global Overview of Protected Areas on the World Heritage List of Particular Importance for Biodiversity
    A GLOBAL OVERVIEW OF PROTECTED AREAS ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE FOR BIODIVERSITY A contribution to the Global Theme Study of World Heritage Natural Sites Text and Tables compiled by Gemma Smith and Janina Jakubowska Maps compiled by Ian May UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre Cambridge, UK November 2000 Disclaimer: The contents of this report and associated maps do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of UNEP-WCMC or contributory organisations. The designations employed and the presentations do not imply the expressions of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNEP-WCMC or contributory organisations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authority, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION 1.0 OVERVIEW......................................................................................................................................................1 2.0 ISSUES TO CONSIDER....................................................................................................................................1 3.0 WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY?..............................................................................................................................2 4.0 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY......................................................................................................................3 5.0 CURRENT WORLD HERITAGE SITES............................................................................................................4
    [Show full text]
  • Avibase Page 1Of 6
    Avibase Page 1of 6 Col Location Date Start time Duration Distance Avibase - Bird Checklists of the World 1 Country or region: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 2 Number of species: 588 3 Number of endemics: 0 4 Number of breeding endemics: 0 5 Number of introduced species: 1 Recommended citation: Lepage, D. 2021. Checklist of the birds of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Avibase, the world bird database. Retrieved from .https://avibase.bsc- eoc.org/checklist.jsp?lang=EN&region=ug04uu01&list=howardmoore&format=2 [12/05/2021]. Make your observations count! Submit your data to ebird.org - Legend: [x] accidental [ex] extirpated [EX] extinct [EW] extinct in the wild [E] endemic [e] endemic (country/region) Egyptian Goose Tambourine Dove Black Cuckoo Hottentot Teal Namaqua Dove African Cuckoo African Black Duck Montane Nightjar African Crake Red-billed Teal Mottled Spinetailed Swift Black Crake Comb Duck Cassin's Spinetailed Swift White-spotted Flufftail Helmeted Guineafowl Scarce Swift Buff-spotted Flufftail Crested Guineafowl African Palm Swift Red-chested Flufftail Blue Quail Alpine Swift African Finfoot Scaly Francolin Mottled Swift Grey Crowned Crane Red-necked Spurfowl White-rumped Swift Great Blue Turaco Handsome Francolin Horus Swift Eastern Grey Plantain-eater Crested Francolin Little Swift Bare-faced Go-away-bird Ring-necked Francolin African Swift Ruwenzori Turaco Little Grebe Common Swift Black-billed Turaco Speckled Pigeon Blue-headed Coucal Ross's Turaco Afep Pigeon White-browed Coucal Marabou African Olive Pigeon African Black
    [Show full text]
  • The Itombwe Massif, Democratic Republic of Congo: Biological Surveys and Conservation, with an Emphasis on Grauer's Gorilla and Birds Endemic to the Albertine Rift
    Oryx Voi 33 No 4 October -.939 The Itombwe Massif, Democratic Republic of Congo: biological surveys and conservation, with an emphasis on Grauer's gorilla and birds endemic to the Albertine Rift llambu Omari, John A. Hart, Thomas M. Butynski, N. R. Birhashirwa, Agenonga Upoki, Yuma M'Keyo, Faustin Bengana, Mugunda Bashonga and Norbert Bagurubumwe Abstract In 1996, the first major biological surveys in species were recorded during the surveys, including the the Itombwe Massif in over 30 years revealed that sig- Congo bay owl Phodilus prigoginei, which was previously nificant areas of natural habitat and remnant faunal known from a single specimen collected in Itombwe populations remain, but that these are subject to ongo- nearly 50 years ago. No part of Itombwe is officially ing degradation and over-exploitation. At least 10 areas protected and conservation initiatives are needed ur- of gorilla Gorilla gorilla graueri occurrence, including gently. Given the remoteness and continuing political eight of 17 areas identified during the first survey of the instability of the region, conservation initiatives must species in the massif in 1959, were found. Seventy-nine collaborate with traditional authorities based in the gorilla nest sites were recorded and at least 860 gorillas massif, and should focus at the outset on protecting the were estimated to occupy the massif. Fifty-six species of gorillas and limiting further degradation of key areas. mammals were recorded. Itombwe supports the highest representation, of any area, of bird species endemic to Keywords Afromontane forests, Albertine Rift, Demo- the Albertine Rift highlands. Twenty-two of these cratic Republic of Congo, endemic avifauna, gorillas.
    [Show full text]
  • Sierra Leone
    SIERRA LEONE 9 - 24 FEBRUARY 2008 TOUR REPORT LEADER: NIK BORROW Our first exploratory tour to Sierra Leone was pretty tough going at times but certainly pulled a few goodies out of the bag! A respectable total of 305 species were recorded of which all but 12 were seen. The notable major highlights had to be the wonderful views of the amazing Yellow-headed Picathartes preening and posing at their nest site before going to roost, the restricted range Turati’s Boubou and no less than four stunning Gola Malimbes for everyone! Singing Brown Nightjars were discovered, sublime Egyptian Plovers enjoyed, colourful Buff-throated Sunbirds enthralled and secretive Capuchin Babblers were tracked down. Mammals were sparse but we had great looks at the beautiful Diana Monkey and Olive Colobus and we even almost saw a Pygmy Hippo that crashed away from us through the undergrowth! Other specialties included Red-chested Goshawk, Latham’s Forest Francolin, Black-shouldered and Standard-winged Nightjars, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Brown- cheeked and Yellow-casqued Hornbills, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Spotted Honeyguide, Little Green, Melancholy and Fire-bellied Woodpeckers, Fanti Saw-wing, Preuss’s Cliff Swallow, Pied-winged Swallow, Green-tailed and Grey-headed Bristlebills, Western Bearded Greenbul, Yellow-bearded Greenbul, Western Forest Robin, White-tailed Alethe, Finsch’s Flycatcher Thrush, Forest Scrub Robin, Sharpe’s Apalis, Kemp’s Longbill, Olivaceous and Ussher’s Flycatchers, Red-cheeked Wattle-eye, Rufous-winged and Puvel’s Illadopsis, Red-billed Helmet-shrike, Copper-tailed Glossy and Emerald Starlings, Maxwell’s Black Weaver, Red-vented Malimbe, Yellow-winged Pytilia and Dybowski’s Twinspot.
    [Show full text]
  • Cameroon Northern Extension 8Th to 17Th March 2019 (10 Days) Rainforest & Rockfowl 17Th to 29Th March 2019 (13 Days)
    Cameroon Northern Extension 8th to 17th March 2019 (10 days) Rainforest & Rockfowl 17th to 29th March 2019 (13 days) Grey-necked Rockfowl by Markus Lilje Cameroon is a vast and diverse land; lying just north of the equator, this bird-rich nation forms the inter-grade between West and Central Africa and harbours a wide range of habitats, ranging from steamy lowland rainforest to Sahelian semi-desert. By combining our Rainforest & Rockfowl tour with our Northern Extension you have an unbeatable three-week Cameroon birding tour that visits all of the area’s core ecological zones and provides a thorough coverage of this, West Africa’s richest RBL Cameroon – Northern Extension, Rainforest & Rockfowl Itinerary 2 birding destination. Due to its wealth of habitats over 900 bird species have been recorded and 26 endemic or near-endemic species occur, most of which you can expect to see on this tour! If you have a sense of adventure and an interest in the birds of the African continent, then this is a destination you simply cannot afford to miss. We greatly look forward to sharing the avian riches of West Africa with you on this incredible tour! THE ITINERARY – NORTHERN EXTENSION Day 1 Arrival in Douala Day 2 Douala flight to Garoua, then drive to Ngaoundaba Ranch Days 3 & 4 Ngaoundaba Ranch Day 5 Ngaoundaba Ranch to Benoue National Park Day 6 Benoue National Park Day 7 Benoue National Park to Maroua Day 8 Maroua to Waza National Park Day 9 Waza National Park Day 10 Waza National Park to Maroua, fly to Douala and depart THE ITINERARY – RAINFOREST
    [Show full text]
  • Gear for a Big Year
    APPENDIX 1 GEAR FOR A BIG YEAR 40-liter REI Vagabond Tour 40 Two passports Travel Pack Wallet Tumi luggage tag Two notebooks Leica 10x42 Ultravid HD-Plus Two Sharpie pens binoculars Oakley sunglasses Leica 65 mm Televid spotting scope with tripod Fossil watch Leica V-Lux camera Asics GEL-Enduro 7 trail running shoes GoPro Hero3 video camera with selfie stick Four Mountain Hardwear Wicked Lite short-sleeved T-shirts 11” MacBook Air laptop Columbia Sportswear rain shell iPhone 6 (and iPhone 4) with an international phone plan Marmot down jacket iPod nano and headphones Two pairs of ExOfficio field pants SureFire Fury LED flashlight Three pairs of ExOfficio Give- with rechargeable batteries N-Go boxer underwear Green laser pointer Two long-sleeved ExOfficio BugsAway insect-repelling Yalumi LED headlamp shirts with sun protection Sea to Summit silk sleeping bag Two pairs of SmartWool socks liner Two pairs of cotton Balega socks Set of adapter plugs for the world Birding Without Borders_F.indd 264 7/14/17 10:49 AM Gear for a Big Year • 265 Wildy Adventure anti-leech Antimalarial pills socks First-aid kit Two bandanas Assorted toiletries (comb, Plain black baseball cap lip balm, eye drops, toenail clippers, tweezers, toothbrush, REI Campware spoon toothpaste, floss, aspirin, Israeli water-purification tablets Imodium, sunscreen) Birding Without Borders_F.indd 265 7/14/17 10:49 AM APPENDIX 2 BIG YEAR SNAPSHOT New Unique per per % % Country Days Total New Unique Day Day New Unique Antarctica / Falklands 8 54 54 30 7 4 100% 56% Argentina 12 435
    [Show full text]
  • Avian Safaris
    AVIAN SAFARIS 22 DAY UGANDA BIRDING AND NATURE TOUR ITINERARY Date: July 17 To August 7, 2017 Tour Leader: Crammy Wanyama Trip Report and all photos by Crammy Wanyama Madagascar Pond Heron- A rare sighting encountered with this big catch Intro: This 22 day Uganda birding and Nature trip was a customized for three. We covered a multitude of habitats Uganda the “Pearl of Africa” is gifted with. We birded inland fresh water shower lines & and rivers, woodlands, bushes and thickets, true Savanna, from Montane to mid elevation and down to lowland forests. Covering the African continent’s most important birdlife biomes – Albertine Rift Montane Forest, East Sudanian Savannah, Northern Acacia-Commiphora Bushlands and thickets, Northern Congolian Forest-Savanna Mosaic, Victoria Basin Forest-Savannah Mosaic, and Zambezian Flooded Grasslands, among others. We did well with local specialties; getting some of Africa’s most sought-after species- Shoebill, Grauer’s Broadbill, Green-breasted Pitta, Eastern Mountain Gorilla and Common Chimpanzee. Well favoured by weather, generally. Some evening showers were well appreciated for cooler mornings. The country was generally green which is normally the case during and after the rain seasons, and probably best times for breeding resident species Avian Safaris: Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.aviansafaris.com AVIAN SAFARIS and both wildlife & scenic photography. A few parts like Lake Mburo and Ishasha the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park needed some rain, the later happening to be the driest during the trip, most of the grass here was golden brown. All in all, this was a fantastic trip.
    [Show full text]
  • Private Uganda Birds & Gorillas
    Private Uganda Birds & Gorillas Trip Report 7th to 28th June 2014 Grauer’s Broadbill by David Hoddinott Trip Report Compiled by Tour Leader: David Hoddinott Trip Report - Uganda 2014 2 Tour Summary Uganda, the pearl of Africa as it is often referred to, is a remarkable country of astonishing diversity. Its small size, good road network and infrastructure, great food, the fact that it is friendly, peaceful and well geared for tourism, makes it a wonderful destination in which to bird and travel. Add a staggering bird list with over 1000 species, plus the added benefit of amazing wildlife including Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, tree- climbing Lions, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and so much more, and it’s no wonder it’s rated as one of the top birding and wildlife countries in the world! Our exciting adventure started off with a visit to Mabamba Swamp on the edge of the vast Lake Victoria. Cruising through the channels on a motorised canoe we enjoyed Yellow-billed Duck by David Hoddinott great sightings of Long-toed Lapwing and Lesser Jacana which showed particular well, the latter being a key target. No sign of a Shoebill unfortunately, but with numerous opportunities ahead we continued birding unperturbed. Other superb sightings that morning included the fabulous Great Blue Turaco, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, stunning perched Red-headed Lovebird, Grey- rumped Swallow and the localised Weyns’s Weaver. Mabira Forest, our next port of call, was once again amazing! Even though it didn’t stop raining until 11: 30am on our full day in the forest, we still managed to see a vast majority of the specials including the shy Nahan’s Partridge, Afep Pigeon, Black-billed Turaco, dazzling male African Emerald Cuckoo, scarce Cassin’s Spinetail, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, African Pied African Dwarf Kingfisher by David Hoddinott Hornbill, Buff-spotted, Brown-eared and Yellow-crested Woodpeckers, elusive Jameson’s Wattle-eye, Lowland Sooty Boubou, Purple-throated Cuckooshrike, Toro Olive Greenbul, Yellow-lored Bristlebill and retiring Blue- shouldered Robin-Chat.
    [Show full text]
  • The Biodiversity of the Virunga Volcanoes
    THE BIODIVERSITY OF THE VIRUNGA VOLCANOES I.Owiunji, D. Nkuutu, D. Kujirakwinja, I. Liengola, A. Plumptre, A.Nsanzurwimo, K. Fawcett, M. Gray & A. McNeilage Institute of Tropical International Gorilla Forest Conservation Conservation Programme Biological Survey of Virunga Volcanoes TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES............................................................................................................................ 4 LIST OF FIGURES.......................................................................................................................... 5 LIST OF PHOTOS........................................................................................................................... 6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................... 7 GLOSSARY..................................................................................................................................... 9 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................ 10 CHAPTER ONE: THE VIRUNGA VOLCANOES................................................................. 11 1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 11 1.1 THE VIRUNGA VOLCANOES ......................................................................................................... 11 1.2 VEGETATION ZONES .....................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • With Rwanda Extension
    Uganda/Rwanda July/August 2016 UGANDA With Rwanda extension A report on birds observed on a trip to Uganda/Rwanda 23 July – 21 August 2016 Henk Hendriks Shoebill at Mabamba Swamp 1 Uganda/Rwanda July/August 2016 INTRODUCTION In 1995 I made a 5-week birding trip with my wife to Uganda but when my brother Frans told me that he would love to bird Uganda in august 2016 to observe one of his most wanted birds, the Shoebill, I decided to join him. The fact that I missed a number of good species during my 95 trip made it also a lot easier to go along with this trip. Wiel Poelmans and Jos Aarts completed our team and now we had to decide how we would organise our trip. I contacted Alfred who I met in 95 in Bwindi N.P. and who is one of the leading birding guides in Uganda. But to make our trip affordable with him we had to get a team together of at least 6 birders, which we did not have. Frans found on the internet the name of Paul Tamwenya. After some negotiating through many e- mails we agreed on a 24-day extensive itinerary. We had no idea about Paul’s birding skills but it turned out that he was an excellent guide, sharp eyes, good knowledge of calls/songs and up-to- date info about birding sites. We recorded 582 species and some very good species indeed. This was a rather complete, extensive trip to Uganda but if you would plan the ultimate birding trip to Uganda, you should extend it with a visit to Kidepo N.P.
    [Show full text]