Uganda is a small country in the heart of Africa blessed with nature, it is popularly known as the pearl of Africa recorded are a diversity of 1008 species some of which are endemic to the country, the diverse habitats in Uganda make it richest in species number. birding destinations include the Budongo, queen Elizabeth national park, Kibale and Bwindi forests, important birding areas like the Mabamba bay, Mabira forest, Lutembe sites, Entebbe botanical gardens are great points to start birding. The peninsula of Entebbe is a stop place for birds migrating from north to the southern hemisphere a lot of new species have been sighted here annually.
Birding migration is one of the world’s best extra ordinary wonders birds move all throughout the year making return journeys in a few months most birds in the northern hemisphere migrate they move to the southern hemisphere birds move due to survival chances, climatic changes that lead to better feeding environments, breeding purposes, millions of birds’ migrate and wonder around the African continent however over 20% of species in Uganda are known to be migrants comprised of both water birds and non-water birds.
Migratory species in Uganda are linked to the Mediterranean fly way mainly using the Nile basin for movements commonly in winter seasons in Asia, eastern Europe and Siberia sub region. Seasons involve the distribution of birds some of which arrive in October and flying back in march, April and October winter is unfavorable condition for the birds which makes them to look for better conditions. Birds try to accumulate fat and learn how to control their sleep patterns before they fly following a migratory path using the direction of sunshine interestingly they take different routes while coming back. These species include the gulls, passerines, small waders, ducks, storks these troops contain young birds
Bird watching is one of the most frequent activities in the country the initiative is to showcase the birds of Uganda, migratory and common species different birds are attached to cultural beliefs of the natives and used for several purposes they sing out beautiful songs, used to tell time, communication among other traditional things. They are attracted by the climate and topography of the region, Ugandan species have 13 of the globally threatened types including the famous shoebill, blue swallow, fox weaver, African green broad bill in the Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Uganda is unlimited to species in the all its conservation areas, urban and rural areas this implies that there are birds everywhere the migratory species are common in the queen Elizabeth national park and the lutembe swamp ramsar site best time to see the birds is early morning and in the late evening common birds include the fish eagle, black headed weaver, African pygmy goose, vultures, saddle billed stock, grey crowned crane, pelicans, Abyssinian ground horn bill, piapiac to mention a few, birding safaris are lead by an experienced birder for a better experience, it is advisable to carry a pair of binoculars.
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