Birding beyond Sunset

Photo blog on the other wildlife of Kibale & Semuliki Forests (Aug 2010)

2010-10-28T02:59:00.000-07:00

Grasshopper in Sebitoli area

Butterfly at Kihingami Wetland

Red Colobus

Black & White Colobus

Red-legged Sun Squirrel

Spider species

Charaxes butterfly

Bigodi Swamp, (Kibale Forest, Aug 2010)

2010-10-28T01:37:00.000-07:00

11 Aug: Birding Bigodi (Wetland Sanctuary) Swamp with local guide Julius 15:25 - 18:30

Boardwalk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

We started the walk down the main road to start of the actual trail and got pleasantly distracted by some White-throated Bee-eaters with an immature, a new addition to our trip list. There was also the obligatory Vieillot's Black Weaver colony and Speckled Mousebirds with young, Red-billed Firefinches, Yellow-backed Weavers (P. melanocephalus), Common Bulbul, Grey-headed Sparrows, Red-faced Cisticola and a couple of White-headed Saw-wings.

Onto the trail and along the forest we also encountered our 1st primates for the walk, Black & White Colobus and a little further on some Grey-cheeked Mangabey. The birds were oddly only showing themselves in singles this time and we got Green-headed and Olive-bellied Sunbirds, African Thrush, African Shrike Flycatcher (female), Green Pigeon, Great Blue Turaco, Little Greenbul, Purple-headed Starling and a flyover by an African Grey Parrot.

Great Blue Turaco

Into the more forested areas Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher turned up, Black-necked Weaver, African Blue Flycatcher and we heard Grey-crowned Crane (in the distance over the open areas), Papyrus Gonolek (an individual revealed itself later), Green-backed Camaroptera and Tambourine Dove. With open areas on our left and forest and swamp on the right we had a good array of species although flycatcher species were plentiful with Dusky Blue and Cassin's Grey Flycatchers alternating with the African Blue and Red-bellied Paradise Flycatchers. Great Blue Turaco and Black & White Casqued Hornbills were suddenly all over the shop but Buff-throated Apalis, Snowy-crowned Robin-chat and Brown-crowned Tchagra did get their moment on stage.

Wetland view from viewing platform

The area around the viewing platform wasn't overly active but we added Double-toothed Barbet, Pied Wagtail and Bronze Mannikins. From here we went onto the boardwalk that leads through the swampy areas, also where we eventually got a view of Papyrus Gonolek and an even better close view of Yellow-billed Barbet. White-spotted Flufftails were calling but eluded us - this is fast becoming my bogey bird.

On the far side as we made our way back to the sanctuary office, there was Woodland Kingfisher, more Great Blue Turaco, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater and Western Nicator. A pair of Crowned Hornbills was our last sighting although a Red-chested Cuckoo was still calling its heart out. I would love to come back to Bigodi again but do a long morning walk starting just before first light - there just has to be some awesome birds hiding in here.

Black & White Casqued Hornbills

Green-breasted Pitta found! Kanyanchu, Kibale Forest (Day 2)

2010-10-28T00:41:00.000-07:00

11 Aug: Birding from Kanyanchu UWA office, Kibale Forest with UWA guide Gerald T. 06:00 - 11:00

Once again we started off our morning hearing the Wood Owl calling as we left Chimp's Nest, the lodge where we were staying. At Kanyanchu, we set off 6am with Gerald and our head torches to the area where we were hoping to hear (and see!) the Green-breasted Pitta. The waiting was a bit nerve racking as this was our last chance during this visit to find the bird - no pressure! The first forest calls we heard were the Black & White Colobus followed by the Great Blue Turaco and Red-chested Cuckoo.

Green-breasted Pitta

At 6:55 we heard the 1st "prrrrp" of the Green-breasted Pitta's display followed a couple of minutes by a second, although by the second display we were already moving and Gerald was homing in on the display area. It was the 3rd or 4th "prrrrp" when we saw the bird displaying on a branch, doing it's hop into the air and creating the "prrrrp" sound with its wings. This was followed by a second softer version and a few metres away there was another GB Pitta, also displaying in response!! This Gerald explained was most likely the female.

Green-breasted Pitta

There were a few more displays, gradually lower eventually, till the displays stopped and the 2 birds met up on the ground and started moving around foraging for food. Now the challenge was for me to try and get some photos - with some sneaking and staying still alternately, the birds became reasonably relaxed and I managed to get some photos. They seemed to have a knack of finding centipedes under the leaf litter and at times turned the heads like they're listening before a quick move and dart and lifting the head with a centipede in the bill.

My second species of Pitta but by no means a lesser experience. Being able to watch this pair move around and forage was just simply put - amazing! Eventually we left the pair on their own and we walked back to the main trail with huge smiles. Other birds were now heard calling as well and included Yellow-billed and Yellow-spotted Barbets, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Speckled and Yellow-throated Tinkerbirds, and Red-capped Robin-chat; also a great view of a pair of African Shrike Flycatchers. A troop of Baboons moved past and some Grey-cheeked Mangabeys were calling further away.

Butterfly hovering at Kanyanchu, Kibal Forest

Back at the UWA office, a quick coffee and tea and then moved on to some birding down the road. Pied Wagtail, Little Greenbul, Vieillot's Black and Black-necked Weavers, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbirds and an immature Green Crombec were the first batch of sightings from here. Further down onto the main forest road we found Cameroon Sombre Greenbul, Afep Pigeon, Little Green and Collared Sunbird. A White-breasted Nigrita immature was begging food from a parent and was size-wise in stark contrast the large Yellowbill nearby. A pair of White-tailed Ant-thrushes seemed to be nesting.

Two Green Hylia made an appearance followed by Slender-billed Greenbul, Chestnut-fronted Wattle-eye, Speckled, Yellow-throated and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbirds, Purple-headed Starling and good views of Buff-throated Apalis and Cassin's Grey Flycatcher. Moving further along the road the bird traffic continued with White-headed Wood Hoopoe, Green-backed Camaroptera, Black & White Casqued Hornbill and a cracking view of Great Sparrowhawk. A few Red-tailed Monkeys were trying to entertain us nearby.

Epiphytes in Kibale Forest

The final birds were hardly "lesser" species as we ended with brilliant views of a pair of Brown-chested Alethes. I missed out on a Velvet-mantled Drongo but considering the above sightings, there was hardly reason to be complaining - I would just have to come back again.

Around lunchtime back at the lodge, I saw two White-thighed Hornbills flying over the canopy of the forest adjacent to the lodge property.

Both the Green-breasted Pittas

Search for Green-breasted Pitta, Kanyanchu, Kibale Forest (day 1)

2010-10-27T23:53:00.000-07:00

10 Aug: Birding from Kanyanchu UWA office in Kibale Forest with UWA guide Gerald T 06:00 - 12:20

Red-capped Robin-chat

As we were leaving Chimp's Nest to go to Kanyanchu, a Wood Owl was calling but there wasn't time to look around for it, the hunt for the Green-breasted Pitta had to get underway. We set off at 6am from the UWA office with head torches into the forest to get to the location where we'll be hoping to hear the display of the Pitta and then find it from there. 20min into the walk a soft rain started coming down and when we reached the spot where we would wait, there was a good shower underway.

By 7:30 we still hadn't heard any Pitta displaying and started searching on the ground in the areas that Gerald knew as their territories. The rain eventually let up but the forest was still dripping from the rain and it was also strong dusk-type light inside the forest, not making it any easier to find this lovely yet cryptically plumaged bird. Other birds were waking up and the first calls were that of Red-chested Cuckoo, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, Rufous Flycatcher Thrush and White-tailed Ant-thrush.

Luckily we also eventually started seeing some other birds as well whilst the Pitta eluded us; White-throated Greenbul, Crested Guineafowl, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, Western Black-headed Oriole, Purple-headed Starling and an immature Narina Trogon were the first sightings.

We slowly worked our way back to the main trail where we encountered a Red-capped Robin-chat busy with its morning song. Perfectly posing, it was ideal (other than the light) for some good photos and I gradually crept closer getting better shots. One moment I paused, shocked/surprised/amazed - the bird had just mimicked my camera shutter! Big smiles all round at this amazing mimic and songster. Still no Pitta yet though - luckily we had booked an extra night at the lodge, so we'll try tomorrow again.

Narina Trogon immature

We reached the office at 10:40 where there was time for a quick coffee and tea. Whilst chatting and seeing what birds were around the UWA office area, 2 large Hornbills flew in rather quietly which seemed a bit odd considering we just randomly put them down to B&W Casqued. Having a closer look with the binoculars though revealed a pair of White-thighed Hornbills! What a bonus - totally an unexpected species here, for us anyway. Gerald then tells us that they haven't been noted there for quite a few years and that it was also his 1st sighting of them there in 7 years!

Little Green Sunbird at nest

Other birds were quite active and Little Green and Collared Sunbirds were nesting and Gerald found us a pair of Buff-spotted Woodpeckers. A Yellowbill also made a brief appearance. Wandering through the campsite and the office approach road, we also found Bronze Mannikin, Olive-bellied (nesting) and Green Sunbirds, Lizard Buzzard and rounded off very nicely with excellent views of a pair of Yellow-billed Barbets (the species I'd missed out on in Semuliki Forest).

Collared Sunbird with nesting material

As we were leaving the office, we found a pair of Little Green Sunbirds with a juvenile, Black-necked Weaver and White-winged Widow, the latter being as we left the main Kibale Forest along the road to the lodge.

Other species heard (some seen) included; Blue-spotted Wood Dove and Tambourine Dove (seen), Yellow-throated and Speckled Tinkerbirds (both only heard), Yellow-crested Woodpecker (heard), Black & White Casqued Hornbill (heard).

Afternoon birding at Chimp's Nest Lodge (Kibale Forest, 9 Aug 10)

2010-10-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

9 Aug: birding around property of Chimp's Nest (Lodge) including forest edge, main approach road and adjacent agricultural land. 12:40 - 18:20

View from Chimp's Nest dining area over garden edge toward Kibale Forest

Arriving at the lodge we were very glad to see the property was indeed adjacent to Kibale Forest and there was quite a variety of habitat around which would make for some good birding. Our biggest jaw-dropping moment was the two Acacia trees with colonies of Vieilot's Black Weavers - one tree alone had 50+ nests and weavers were flying to and fro in something that made Heathrow seem like a little backwater airport.

Vieillot's Black Weaver colony

Between getting our room sorted and having lunch, we were birding as well and it was all happening pretty rapidly with the more common being (in addition to the Vieillot's Black Weavers of course) Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Bronze Mannikin (with young), Speckled Mousebirds (with young), African Paradise Flycatcher and Thick-billed Weaver (nesting). A pair of Grey-headed Sparrows had chicks in a nest under the restaurant eaves and a lone Crowned Hornbill briefly perched in one of the garden trees. From the direction of the forest there were the calls of Red-chested Cuckoo, Black & White Casqued H0rnbill, Great Blue and Black-billed Turacos.

Vieillot's Black Weaver (breeding male)

Walking out to the forest edge and the campsite areas was a treat and we found Brown-crowned Tchagra, Red-faced Cisticola, African Harrier-hawk, African Black Swifts, Black-necked and Village Weavers, Pin-tailed Whydah, African Thrush (immature) and the ever present Little Greenbuls. Also good views of Green-headed Sunbirds, Snowy-crowned Robin-chat, Pale-chinned Prinia and White-browed Coucal (that subsequently called every morning at 4:30am!).

The primates could be heard from the forest edge and included Black & White Colobus, Red-tailed Monkey and Grey-cheeked Mangabey.

Compact Weaver

A pair of Compact Weavers were obliging enough to give us prolonged views just before we got some tantalising quick views of an African Pygmy Kingfisher. The fun wasn't over yet and closer to 6pm we got Speckled Tinkerbird, Cardinal Woodpecker, Alpine and Palm Swifts, Woodland Kingfisher and Red-billed Quelea. Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird was calling but remained unseen the afternoon.

Grey-headed Sparrow chick in nest

Kibale Forest (Sebitoli and Kanyanchu) (Aug 2010)

2010-10-27T03:34:00.000-07:00

8 Aug: birding around Sebitoli campsite & approach road 17:40 - 19:00

9 Aug: Drive to Kanyanchu (mid-Kibale Forest); birding in forest along drive, UWA Kanyanchu office and Primate Lodge 07:45 - 12:15

Having waited out the afternoon rain at Sebitoli after returning from Semuliki, we decided to see what we could find around the campsite and along the approach road, the latter proving very productive the last couple of days. We didn't a huge quantity of species but what we found was certainly some quality species with good views.

It started off with the resident African Dusky Flycatcher and then a pair of Brown-eared Woodpeckers that we got good views of but the dark forest interior was not conducive to good photos. Both Northern Double-collared and Green-headed Sunbirds were out feeding as was a pair of Buff-throated Apalis. In the same party and/or nearby were also African Yellow White-eye, Slender-billed Greenbul, Dark-backed (Forest) Weaver, Shrike Flycatcher and a Rufous Flycatcher Thrush.

Further down the road we found Purple-headed Starling, Grey-throated Barbet, White-headed Saw-wings, Speckled Mousebird and Joyful Greenbul. Just before dinner, the Black-shouldered Nightjar started calling.

African Shrike Flycatcher

(9 Aug) This morning we set off for Kanyanchu which is located approximately in the middle of Kibale Forest and further south from Sebitoli. A large part of this drive goes through the forest and we were hoping to do a few spots of birding. Before we even got to that area, we added Grey-crowned Cranes to the list followed by a Scaly Francolin flushed near agricultural land. We also passed Baglafecht Weaver, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Yellow-throated Longclaw and a small Black-headed Heron breeding site (heronry) with 3 nests.

Our 1st stop along the forest road was a nesting colony in a large dead tree of Narrow-tailed Starlings and at least 6 nests that we could see but 20+ birds. At the river bridge we stopped and had short but cracking views of the stunning Shining Blue Kingfisher. Not much else was visible here other than Black & White Casqued Hornbills and Little Greenbuls. We heard Black-billed Turaco though between the Yellow-throated, Yellow-rumped & Speckled Tinkerbirds' calling. Mammals weren't left lagging as Red-tailed Monkeys and Grey-cheeked Mangabeys came to watch the crazy humans.

Just before Kanyanchu we found a colony of Vieillot's Black Weavers (turned out to be the most common weaver in the area over the next few days) as well as a nesting pair of Thick-billed (Grosbeak) Weavers. At Kanyanchu we organised things for our next day's birding and the hunt for the Green-breasted Pitta and then went to enjoy some welcome coffee at Primate Lodge. The manager kindly also invited us to do some birding around the lodge grounds which borders the forest. This proved to be my best photo opportunity of Western Nicator after great views of a pair of Olive-bellied Sunbirds. We bumped into Gerald with some clients, our guide for the next day, and finalised the early morning times i.e. starting before sunrise for the next day. Whilst talking to him we had cracking close views of Green Crombec and I also managed to get very good call recordings.

From here, we set off to the nearby Chimp's Nest Lodge, our accommodation for the next few days.

Western Nicator

Semuliki Forest, Uganda (Aug 2010)

2010-10-13T04:23:00.000-07:00

Kirumira Trail
7 Aug; Drive Fort Portal to Sempaya UWA office, Semuliki NP 05:54 to 07:00
Guided walk in Semuliki Forest along Kirumira Trail. (Local guide - Alex and UWA guide Jessica) 08:10 - 12:40
Guided walk in Semuliki Forest to Male Hotsprings. (Local guide - Alex and UWA guide Jessica) 13:30 - 14:10

The drive from Fort Portal was largely uneventful and rather dusty but a Black-shouldered Nightjar did briefly grace us with its presence. Arriving at the Sempaya UWA office, the bird activity was in full swing with madly trying to focus binoculars everywhere at the same time. The party was off with Piping Hornbill, Purple-headed Starlings and a couple of Rufous Flycatcher-thrushes.

We set off for the Kirumira Trail which we reached at 8am and started our walk into the forest. There didn't seem to be heaps of activity but we were trying to be optimistic and hoped for some goodies to pop up. Red-tailed Bristlebills remained annoyingly invisible albeit the calls all over the shop, this later proved to be a similar modus operandi to that of the Yellow-billed Barbet (I think Jason got a view of it once though). Some obliging African Pied Hornbills were welcome and Western Nicator provided excellent views and the opportunity to record both its calls.

Meanwhile, the Red-tailed Monkeys and Grey-cheeked Mangabeys were out foraging and playing whilst I found an immature Jameson's Wattle-eye. Black & White Casqued Hornbills arrived and announced by their unmistakable calls. Almost dwarfing them, the Black-casqued Wattled Hornbills arrived with noisy wingbeats with the much smaller Piping Hornbill watching the whole hornbill circus.

Blue-headed Agama (photographed at UWA Sempaya office)

At this stage we stumbled across a feeding frenzy of at least 35 African Green Pigeons while an immature Palm-nut Vulture idled over and higher still some Palm Swifts were dashing about. It seemed that everything was calling and frustratingly refusing to show themselves whilst Jason was being attacked by some ants resulting in him doing some rather entertaining (well, to the rest of us anyway) dances. Western Bronze-naped Pigeon (which we managed to see later though), Ross' Turaco, Yellow-throated & Speckled Tinkerbirds and White-spotted Flufftail continued calling and we didn't get any closer to sightings.

We eventually turned around and started making our back down the trail to car and a few more good sightings rolled/flew in; African Harrier-hawk, Green Crombec, Grey-headed Nigrita, Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher, Tambourine Dove and a surprise (I don't think anybody was really expecting them as we were hoping for Crested GF) sighting of Helmeted Guineafowl. A pair of Western Bronze-naped Pigeons eventually gave good views and I managed to hammer off a poor record photo of one. I came across an injured (seemed like the wing was injured) African Green Pigeon next to the trail and got some cracking photos of this lovely bird.

Back at the Sempaya UWA office for lunch, a Yellow-throated Tinkerbird obliged and presented itself for cracking views. From here we did the short walk to the female hotsprings, an incredible site (and sight) also adding Spur-winged Lapwings and Common Sandpiper to the list.

The afternoon we got back to Sebitoli at Kibale Forest and had some short, but productive stints of birding. (see next post)

Female Hotsprings

Kihingami Wetland Sanctuary (Kibale Forest, Uganda)

2010-09-05T06:08:00.000-07:00

7 Aug; Guided walk in and around Kihingami Swamp. (Local guide - Alex and student Moses) 07:30 - 13:15

Kihingami Wetland Sanctuary is a community-based project and located adjacent to Kibali Forest at the Sebitoli area. The local guides are trained with backing from Kaberole Tours in Fort Portal who also initiated the project. A walk through part of a village and agriculture brings one to patches of forest and closed woodland after which crosses the swamp area.

Our walk toward the 1st patch of forest produced a few of the more "common" species like Green-headed Sunbird, Western Citril (with nesting material), Tawny-flanked Prinia, Brimstone Canary, Violet-backed Starling, Holub's Golden Weaver, Great Blue Turaco, Black-crowned and Common Waxbills we hadn't seen yet on the trip. The African Blue Flycatcher was a huge bonus and we had reasonable albeit a bit distant views of it.

Reaching the 1st forest patch was like a veritable bird rush-hour starting with Green Hylia, Luhder's Bush-shrike, Red-bellied Paradise-flycatcher, Grey-headed Nigrita, Western Nicator, Grey-winged Robin-chat (ID on photo by Callan Cohen - thanks a lot), Red-headed Bluebill and an ever elusive calling White-spotted Flufftail.

Crossing over the swamp and through the papyrus, a White-winged Warbler responded to playback but refused point blank to show itself. Going into another stretch of forest produced cracking views of Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, something which doesn't happen often - well, has never happened to me before this. This was just after some good views of Masked Apalis and an elusive Black-faced Rufous Warbler. We tracked the latter down eventually and got some good views followed by quick glimpses of Lizard Buzzard.

Leaving this area and walking back through the tea plantation which is bordered by some good forest trees; we came across a little sunbird party with Collared, Olive-bellied and Green-throated Sunbirds. A Long-crested Eagle lazily floating in the afternoon wind rounded up a pleasant morning's birding even though the birds weren't in the mood for posing for photos as opposed to the insects who were much more obliging.

Kibale Forest (Sebitoli area), Uganda (Aug 2010)

2010-09-05T05:43:00.000-07:00

Sebitoli Forest Camp

5 Aug; Drive Ruhengeri to Sebitoli Forest Camp, Kibali Forest Uganda

Self-guide walk: 17:15 - 19:00

We arrived at Sebitoli Forest Camp at around 17:15 after a full day driving from Ruhengeri (Rwanda). Sebitoli Forest Camp is run by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and has no electricity yet but comfortable twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms. The shower has cold water but I did notice a "donkey" outside so hot water would be available on request. Food is available at the campsite and includes a fair range of really tasty food. Having sorted out the room etc we walked down the approach road to the camp which goes through a section the forest and were welcomed (upon arrival already actually) by Common Bulbul and the calls of Great Blue Turaco and in the air the pleasant surprise of Rufous-chested Swallows. The birds were initially a bit quiet as we walked, probably due to the heat, but things soon started happening with Sooty Flycatcher, 4x Olive-bellied, Collared, Green-throated and Green-headed Sunbirds, Purple-headed Starling and Grey-headed Nigrita. Brown-capped Weavers had a nest and it appeared that the young had already fledged. Another surprise was the short but very good view of a Dusky Crested Flycatcher, one of this family that has eluded me for awhile. Other birds for the afternoon till dark (around 7pm) were White-chinned Prinia (2x adults with 2 young), Yellow-whiskered Greenbul, Yellow White-eye, Speckled Mousebirds, African Dusky Flycatcher, Red-faced Cisticola, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Black & White Mannikin, White-headed Saw-wings and last but not least, an African Black Duck flying over.

White-chinned Prinia

6 Aug; Guided walk along road to river and back through forest: 07:30 - 13:15

Guided walk in forest: 16:00 - 19:00

Up early in the morning and waiting for the coffee, a Black-shouldered Nightjar was calling nearby followed by the Yellow-whiskered Greenbuls and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird. Just after breakfast we set off with Richard our ranger/guide at 07:30 down the approach road to the camp. The birds were being spotted at a very quick pace starting with a pair of Petit's Cuckoo-shrike, Grey-throated Barbet, Olive-bellied Sunbirds, Green Pigeon and White-chinned Prinia. Grey-headed Nigrita, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Black-backed and Brown-capped Weavers and Western Citril. Whilst a Luhder's Bush-shrike was calling nearby we got stunning views of Bocage's Bush-shrike.

We decided to walk down to and along the road to the river to see if we could find Mountain Wagtail and Cassin's Blue Flycatcher. The walk along the road commenced with Brown-crowned Tchagra, Buff-throated Apalis, Collared Sunbird, Petit's Cuckoo-shrike and Chubb's Cisticola. We were still dealing with the massive surprise of an Alpine Swift (brilliant views) when a group of Red Colobus came into sight on the other side of the road. This was time for some mammal moments and photos (if possible) of this lovely primate. Back on the other side of the road, both of us got a lifer with Joyful Greenbul complying nicely with all the field guide notes and making ID fairly easy, especially with it's song. More notable species as we walked further down the road, in addition to the Olive Baboons, were Black & White Casqued Hornbills. Little & Slender-billed Greenbuls, Thick-billed Weaver, Levaillant's Cuckoo and some Hooded Vultures in the air as well as Narrow-tailed Starlings flying over.

Emerald Cuckoo

Down at the river it was all "quiet" although a couple of Great Blue Turacos and Emerald Cuckoo kept us happily occupied. Red-tailed Monkeys didn't want to show themselves but we clearly heard them on our return route before we left the road and took a more pleasant route back to camp through the forest. Going through the forest was rather quiet as it had become quite hot by this stage but we still got little extras like Toro Olive Greenbul, Black-necked Weaver, Western Black-headed Oriole (great views, recordings and photos) and Luhder's Bush-shrike. Otherwise on the animal front we encountered a variety of dung beetles doing their thing, Blue-headed Agama, Red-legged Sun Squirrel and some more Red Colobus.

The afternoon at camp proved extremely productive with Mottled Spinetail stealing the show and side appearances by Alpine Swift, White-rumped Swift, African Black Swift and Red-rumped Swallows. Ross' Turaco popped in for a few moments but some time was spent with a pair of Yellow-crested Woodpeckers. The afternoon walk started at 4pm and we kicked off on a high note once more with Masked Apalis, Luhder's Bush-shrike and a very obliging Blue-throated Roller (photo at left) while Afep Pigeon was calling in the distance. Levaillant's Cuckoo was seen again and Yellow-spotted Barbet, Yellowbill, Black-billed and Great Blue Turacos, Honeyguide Greenbul, White-breasted Nigrita, Buff-throated Apalis and Many-coloured Bush-shrikes - all in the same patch! The walk back eventually was complimented by an elephant grunt a little way off and some fairly fresh signs of it's movements. Close to camp an African Broadbill teased us with it's display deep inside the forest and a Red-capped Robin-chat hopped onto the path briefly.

Syderstone & Sculthorpe, July 2010 - Norfolk (UK)

2010-08-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

Chaffinch (female) at Sculthorpe Moors
A few days in Norfolk is always rewarding as far as birding goes, whether one visits one of the many excellent reserves or not. My visit was no different and actually got some more "common" European & British birds onto my list that have been conspicuous in their absence. During the visit I stayed in the village of Syderstone which has some great 'walks' around the village and is also has about 10-15 reserves in a 10 mile radius.

The garden in Syderstone produced my 1st lifer with a Song Thrush stuffing itself with cherries, in competition with 2-3 Blackbirds though. A juvenile European Robin was great to see which I'd not seen before, only adults up till then. Swifts were plentiful and at least 5 of them I suspect were nesting nearby as they came through low in the mornings and evenings with their distinctive screams. Other birds seen in the garden; Chaffinch, Gold and Greenfinches, Magpie, Wood Pigeon and Collared Dove. Individuals of House Martin and Barn Swallow showed up once as well.

Song Thrush in cherry tree

The fields behind the church in the village turned out to be great for Skylarks, as pointed out before they appeared, by a friendly resident. I managed to get a recording of the display call and even a reasonable record shot of it in flight. Whilst watching this, a Grey Partridge appeared in the path ahead of me - another lifer! A road out the other side of the village produced brief views of a Wren.

The visit to Sculthorpe Moors Nature Reserve was even more rewarding and even though a small reserve, I think it has great potential when visited a few times. My walk here started on a high note with the amazing Golden Pheasant, a brief but good view. Great Tits were at the feeding station and Chiffchaffs were calling all over. A quick and partial photo I got was later confirmed as Dunnock. Walking further along the boardwalks, another friendly birder pointed that they had seen a Tawny Owl and gave directions - I found it, pretty well hidden but unmistakable; a lifer and making up for missing it in London.

Dunnock at Sculthorpe Moors

In one area a Blackcap was singing constantly and eventually it showed itself but not long enough at a time to get a photo. A Water Vole had been seen in the channel nearby but I never got a view of it. A lovely bit of "air-play" commenced with a Sparrowhawk dive bombing an Eurasian Marsh Harrier giving all great views of both. The Marsh Harriers had chicks in a nest nearby which could be viewed on the site webcam. Huge numbers of Starlings seemed to congregating on the adjacent field where a lone Common Pheasant was foraging.

We went for lunch the last day at Sculthorpe Mill, lovely view and good fare as usual. Here I managed ok-ish shots of Grey Wagtail and Spotted Flycatcher (photo left; something else I missed at Sculthorpe Moors). A Wood Pigeon was busy with nesting material nearby and a tiny chick of a Common Moorhen was spotted at one stage. The other notable was a Water Vole leisurely swimming along making up for yet another dip from Sculthorpe Moors.

London Wetland Centre - June 2010 (UK)

2010-08-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

One of the views from the Peacock Hide
On 22 June I did a half-day visit to London Wetland Centre and got in just after they opened at around 09:30am. There was a lot of breeding activity going on with Coots, Common Moorhen and Tufted Ducks with chicks. Other immatures recorded were those of Blue Tits and Lapwings. Unfortunately I didn't come across many waders; Starlings were around in huge numbers and I counted at least 10-12 Grey Herons. Below are some photos from the visits and some notes on them.

Some of the other species listed were Black-headed and Common Gulls, Great Tit, Great Crested Grebe, Chaffinch, Little Ringed Plover, Common Tern and Sand Martins. I did however miss out apparently on a Tawny Owl outside the Wetland Centre that was in one of the big trees along the road.

Eurasian Coot

Common Tern hovering

Tufted Duck (male)

European Robin

Common Moorhen

Grey Heron

Bernese Oberland June/July 2010 (Switzerland)

2010-08-01T01:32:00.000-07:00

Kleine Scheidegg to Grindelwald

During the latter part of June and early July, we did a walking trip in Switzerland. The weather was on our side and even a little too hot at times but the scenery certainly made up for that. During the walks I managed to cast my eye in the direction of a few birds and/or find a few in the villages where we stayed. I didn't come home with a massive list but managed to get a few good species for my list like Lammergeier over Mannlichen and Alpine Accentor on the Bachalpsee trail. The rest of this trip's photos can be viewed in my Flickr "Switzerland" album.

Eurasian Swift

The walk from Wilderswil to Murren probably chalked up the most birds with Kestrel, Swifts (many everywhere), Blue Tits, Chaffinch, Common Redstart, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Willow Tit up to the half-way mark. From there I added Black Redstart, Ring Ouzel and Nutcracker - 3 lifers in a row! The area around the Hotel Alpenruh produced quite a few birds as well with Bullfinch, Greenfich, Goldfinch, Alpine Chough (also at Schilthorn and Kleine Scheidegg), Coal Tit, Sisken and White Wagtail. On our visit to Schilthorn we saw Chamois (antelope) from the gondola/cable-car.

Alpine Chough

On the walk from Wengen to Grindelwald via Wengernalp and Alpiglen, I added Tawny Pipit and an adult male Fieldfare with great sightings of the dark morph Red Squirrel which was way too quick for photos. Grindelwald and our walks there produced more notables like Green (2 adults & 2 immatures) and Medium Spotted Woodpeckers, Common Cuckoo (which we heard along some of the walks to Grindelwald too). The walk from First via Bachalpsee to Faulhorn was great with White-winged Snowfinches, Fieldfare and Alpine Accentor with Alpine Marmots and a very large and furry Red Fox adding to the mammal list.

Bachalpsee (between First & Faulhorn)

White-winged Snowfinch (juvenile)

Interlaken on the last day was a surprise with Great Crested Grebe, Common Moorhen, Tufted Duck and Goosander, I'd not been expecting to be anywhere for waterfowl and managed a couple of good shots here.

Great Crested Grebe

Goosander

Mubwindi Swamp, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)

2010-08-01T00:19:00.000-07:00

View of Mubwindi Swamp
Byron and I met up with a ranger at the Ruhija UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) office who happened to also be the guy who took some birders the day before to see the African Green Broadbill. This was going to be a "go go go" trek so we didn't hang around and set off. The trek starts with a short section along the main road before cutting into the forest from where a couple of ascents and descents test the old legs a bit. At one stage we came across some very fresh mountain gorilla faeces and tracks - the ranger radioed in to the UWA office to report that the gorillas had passed a few minutes. Just after this we reached a look-out point where we could Mubwindi Swamp below us in the distance - we still had to drop around 600m to get to the Swamp level.

Black & White Colobus monkey

With not much time to hang around for 'other' birdwatching unfortunately, we hammered on and commenced a very steep descent where the ranger also pointed out where an elephant had slipped its way down a few days before. 09:05am we reached the site where the broadbill had been seen the day before and we went into high alert mode for an appearance. While we were waiting, we took some time to see what other birds were around; Bar-tailed Trogon, African Paradise Flycatcher (2 adults at a nest), Tambourine Dove and Northern Puffback were there whilst Grauer's Warbler and Black-billed Turaco were calling.

African Green (Grauer's) Broadbill

09:30 on the dot, the ranger pointed excitedly as an African Green Broadbill arrived at the nest. What a stunning little bird! Another adult soon arrived as well and the 2 of them continued collecting lichen and working on their nest. As if this wasn't enough, 2 juveniles/immatures also arrived and were flitting about - it wasn't clear if this was a recent 'batch' from the same parents but didn't seem unlikely as the adults didn't chase them away.

We had to set off back again, so after 20minutes of watching these little jewels started on the return trail which is a different route to the descent route and not as steep. Half-hour into the walk and there seemed to be an opportunity to get Byron his bogey bird, the Black-billed Turaco - and didn't he get it. There were eventually 4 birds around us and all calling and providing great views including a couple of flight views which showed their amazing red underwings. Some White-headed Wood-hoopoes popped out just after this as well. A Black-fronted Duiker (photo below) was foraging on the trail ahead of us giving me a brief opportunity to get a photo.

Once we got back to the road, Byron got another of his wishes - great views of Black & White Colobus monkeys in addition to some Sykes (Blue) Monkeys in the immediate vicinity. This was a brilliant ending to a fantastic morning and overall, excellent trip.

Birding in Ruhija, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)

2010-07-31T23:15:00.000-07:00

Sharpe's Starling

We arrived at what is known between birders as the "School Trail" which goes through a patch of forest along a wide path to the edge of the forest. This trail also leads to one of the local schools and used by school children and the community, hence the name. Walking down the trail, one overlooks some canopy on the left whilst looking up on the right into forest. Not overly dense and also with some vegetation on the trail level, the altitude here of c. 2600m makes it ideal for Albertine Rift Endemics that don't occur at the lower altitudes of Buhoma.

We met Ugandan birding guide Emmanuel and his client there (whom I'd been birding with in Minziro Forest, Tanzania) who were staying at Trekker's Tavern nearby. The specials and endemics came rapidly (with a host of "normal" ones as well of course) with Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Mountain Masked Apalis, Grauer's Warbler, Ashy Flycatcher, Stripe-breasted Tit, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Luhder's Bush-shrike, Montane Oriole, Northern Puffback, Sharpe's Starling, Strange Weaver (2 adults and a juvenile), Yellow-streaked Greenbul (nesting) and African Paradise Flycatcher (also nesting - photo above). A Carruther's Mountain Squirrel (photo below) was the only mammal during the birding.

Chatting to Emmanuel and his client, we learnt that they'd seen the African Green Broadbill down at Mubwindi Swamps the previous day. Byron and I debated our timeframe for getting back to Rwanda and decided that we'll stay one night at Trekker's Tavern and see if can get a chance to see the broadbill. Worst case scenario would be some early morning birding at the School Trail (as if that's a bad thing). (photo left: Yellow-whiskered Greenbul)

The afternoon, most of the birders at Trekker Tavern set off to the School Trail including Herbert Byurahanga and his group. Byron and I did a brief sortie down the main road first where we got great views of 4 Crowned Hornbills and some Black & White Colobus monkeys. Back at the School Trail things were hotting up with species coming out in rapid mode again; White-starred Robin, Grauer's Warbler, Ruwenzori Apalis, Regal Sunbird, Chinspot Batis, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Collared Sunbird, Strange and Baglafecht Weavers, Mountain Illadopsis, Black Cuckoo and a Stripe-breasted Tit (a ringed adult - part of a research project on their nesting).

Willcock's Honeyguide made a spectacular appearance slightly downhill from us but great views with Sykes (Blue) Monkeys in the distance. Ruwenzori Batis was obliging followed by White-browed Crombec, Hill Babbler, Northern Puffback and Mountain Masked Apalis. Luhder's Bush-shrike (photo at right) appeared again with a Dusky Turtle Dove flying over as a finale.

Happy chappies and all, we returned to the lodge for a celebratory drink, hot shower and some good food. Chatting with everyone here, also Saul (Ugandan birding guide we'd met in Buhoma a couple of days earlier) with his clients who had seen the broadbill at a confirmed nesting area the day before, said that we could do the trek on a "quick in & out" which would be about 2.5 hours. We were going to "risk' it and see what happens.

African Stonechat at Trekker's Tavern

Birding in Buhoma (3) & "the Neck", Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)

2010-07-31T01:27:00.000-07:00

Alex (local guide) & Byron in the forest

After our little forest-based lunch snack, we set off back to the main trail where we were immediately met by an extremely obliging Red-throated Alethe and even more obliging pair of White-tailed Ant-thrushes with their youngster. The latter were hawking and foraging from an exposed branch just inside the forest and giving us spectacular views - the photos were average as the birds didn't sit still for too long at a time but certainly one those "pleasurable" sightings. Shortly after this the Mountain Sooty Boubou and Red-tailed Ant-thrush followed suit.

White-tailed Ant-thrush (adult)

White-tailed Ant-thrush (juvenile)

At the "end" of our forward section of the day's walk we were looking for, and found, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher - an Albertine Rift Endemic. The Hairy-breasted Barbet was calling nearby but remained hidden as we slowly started wandering back to the lodge. A couple of bird parties within the space of about 50m produced a bonanza of note; 3x male and 2x female Purple-breasted Sunbirds (in the sun!), Montane Oriole, Grey Apalis, Slender-billed Greenbul and a little further a party of 4 White-headed Wood-hoopoes and at least 6 Grey-throated Barbets. Between us and the latter, the stunning Purple-headed Starling made an appearance, well, a few brief ones but enough to appreciate the iridescence.

Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo decided to grace us with another very quick flyover after calling whilst we were watching a Dusky Tit removing a faecal sac from its nest. Black Bee-eaters did not disappoint and were back at their perches like yesterday after which we got cracking views of Buff-throated Apalis again, Little Green Sunbird and Red-tailed Greenbul before we added an Elliot's Woodpecker (photo on right) to the list too.

Back at the lodge, Byron and I decided to do the little circular "waterfall" trail and see what we can find. This started with an African Goshawk and Dusky Blue Flycatcher (photo on left). Other species along the trail were Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Little and Cabani's Greenbuls, Baglafecht and Black-necked Weavers, Yellow-spotted Barbet (excellent views), 7 Black Saw-wings, Little Green Sunbird and Tambourine Dove. The walk ended at the lodge with extended views of another Albertine Rift Endemic, the Blue-headed Sunbird.

The next morning we wanted to leave early for the trip back to Rwanda so we could still do some birding at the Neck and the School Trail at Ruhija. As we were about to set off, African Grey Parrot flew over, what a send-off! getting to the Neck and the bridge there over the water we kicked off with a pair of Petit's Cuckoo-shrike, Cassin's Grey Flycatcher and Byron got the Mountain Wagtail at the river. Greenbuls were in full supply with Little, Little Grey, Yellow-whiskered and Red-tailed recorded. Our little stop here was way too short for the time it deserves but we had to push on. About halfway to Ruhija from here, a Doherty's Bush-shrike called from the roadside depths of vegetation but refused to show itself.

The stream long the circular "waterfall" walk we did

Butterflies & other Insects of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)

2010-07-31T00:45:00.001-07:00

Of course one cannot ignore the host of other wildlife around whilst birding, especially the more prominent little "critters" like butterflies and dragonflies. During our birding in Buhoma, I managed to get a host of photographs of these "critters", some of which I've been able to add ID's too and others where experts have kindly contributed their knowledge with the ID's. I'll also post some of the photos where I've not confirmed an ID, so feel free to comment and/or e-mail with an ID.

To view the rest of the butterflies, visit my Flickr "Butterflies of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest" album.

First a dragonfly and a damselfly with ID's provided by "XKD" on my Flickr account;

(possibly) Orthetrum julia

Umma saphirina

A fairly commonly seen butterfly is the Blue Salamis Salamis temora but certainly not a boring butterfly to look at as a bit of sunshine brings out a lovely spectrum of iridescent blues.

The Dark Pansy Junonia stygia is another regularly seen species which highlights the intricacy of the patterns and designs on butterflies.

A stunning member of the Acraea genus is the Acraea peneleos with its transparent forewings often glinting in the sun like here.

Another Acraea posed beautifully on the shell of a Giant Land Snail - the Acraea uvui

This small deep blue butterfly with its elongated "tails" I think is one of the "Hairstreaks" of the Lycaenidae family.

A possible member of the Junonia/Precis genus also never failing to catch one's eye as it's usually the larger of the butterflies in a 'gathering'.

Birding in Buhoma, (2) Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)

2010-07-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

African Dusky Flycatcher

The afternoon at the lodge was not wasted with stacks of species coming through and/or flitting about here and at the adjacent UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) offices. Olive-bellied and Northern Double-collared Sunbirds seemed frantic in their search for nectar whilst the Bronze Mannikins, Bronze Sunbirds, Vieillot's, Baglafecht and Black-billed Weavers were all working on their nests. Brown-capped Weaver was rather active but there were no obvious indications of nesting.

Luhder's and Bocage's Bush-shrikes were calling constantly in competition with the Black Cuckoo (later sightings confirmed it as the gabonensis race) and Speckled Tinkerbird. Around the UWA offices the Blue-spotted Wood Dove (photo on right), African Dusky (photo above) and White-tailed Blue Flycatchers were posing for photos. Red-capped Robin-chat made a brief appearance but refused to pose long enough for a 'good' photo. The lunchtime line-up was completed by Cape Wagtail, Cabani's and Cameroon Sombre Greenbuls, Black-necked Weaver, Yellow White-eye, Tambourine Dove and Thick-billed Seedeater.

The afternoon walk (all along the same trail as in the morning) kicked off with a proverbial heavy-weight in the form a very obliging Bar-tailed Trogon, (photo below) even allowing for photographs and more time for other birders to join in the great views. This was only beaten by yet another Bar-tailed Trogon 10 minutes later perching along the trail!

Our sightings of cuckoos weren't over, however brief, as an Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo flew over our heads (was this the one that flew over the cuckoo's nest??) after much and constant calling, as they do! It only got better with an Olive Sunbird appearing and a great view of a nesting Red-tailed Greenbul followed by Narrow-tailed and Waller's Starlings, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, Grey-throated Barbets and White-headed Wood-hoopoes - the latter 2 species in close proximity to each other. The Black-billed Turaco was calling from some trees but seemed adamant that it would remain hidden from Byron.

Bar-tailed Trogon

African Shrike Flycatcher was a welcome addition to our lists with an African Broadbill displaying, ending the walk on a very high note. Relaxing stroll uphill to the showers before dinner was interrupted by a cracking view of Ross' Turaco - never a dull bird at the best of times!

The next morning kicked off with pretty much the shed load of species mentioned before, around the lodge. We did add some of the more "common" species to the list like Grey-capped Warbler, Red-billed Firefinches with young and Black-crowned Waxbills. Early morning bonus was the Bocage's Bush-shrike that was out and about with a juvenile and only bettered (relatively speaking of course) by a fantastic view of an African Wood Owl at the Buhoma Homestead (thanks to the lodge staff for kindly allowing us to go and see & photograph it).

African Wood Owl

Entering the forest on our now 'known' trail, was like running into nature's own peak hour traffic with L'Hoest's Monkeys all over the place, another brilliant sighting of Black-fronted Duiker and Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo calling. We heard at least 3 African Broadbills displaying (sightings eluded us today) and then a Buff-throated Apalis provided an eyeful after which the huge, slightly ungainly but great Great Blue Turacos, 5 of them, made an entrance. Red-tailed Monkeys and Red-legged Sun Squirrels added to the mammal activities.

During this all, Dusky Tits and a pair of Petit's Cuckoo-shrikes showed well and a Black-throated Apalis added itself to the warblers list which was built on again with better views of Black-throated Rufous Warbler and Red-faced Woodland Warbler. Not to be outdone, Equatorial Akalat and Mountain Illadopsis showed up but a calling Scaly-breasted Illadopsis pointedly refused to make itself visible to us mere humans.

The award for the show of the day goes to the magnificent Purple-breasted Sunbirds feeding in the sun, highlighting their spectacular array of colours. Nobly trying to compete were the Green-throated, Collared and Olive-bellied Sunbirds with another pair of Petit's Cuckoo-shrikes watching from a distance. An Olive-green Camaroptera started calling and obligingly showed itself although not long enough at a time for photos. Black & White Colobus monkeys were calling deeper inside the forest.

After a Red-throated Alethe and a Yellow-backed Duiker made sure we had good views, we set ourselves down for a lunch snack.

Yellow-backed Duiker

Birding in Buhoma, (1) Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)

2010-07-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest probably first became famous for it's population of Mountain Gorillas that can be visited. It has also become arguably one of the premier birding destinations in East Africa as well with a host of Albertine Rift Endemic and special species that can be seen here.

Mid-June 2010 I had the privilege of experiencing Bwindi for myself with a client, Byron (from the USA). Everyday was a birding bonanza and without even "trying" too hard. We spent 3 nights in the Buhoma area of the park and one night near Ruhija. For the purposes of the blog I'll just cover these 2 areas and what is known as "the Neck" which is en-route between Buhoma and Ruhija.

13 June found us entering the park at Ndege gate where the bird party commenced almost immediately. Having signed in, we walked a bit down the road where we came across a pair of Montane Oriole's busy nesting - an auspicious start to say the least! Driving on with short stops here and there, we added Grey and Black Cuckoo-shrikes and Sharpe's Starling. One stage we stopped for a francolin ahead of us in the road - a relaxed Handsome Francolin (photo on left) foraging along the roadside! Enjoying brilliant views of this elusive bird, I also managed to get a few shaky photos of it; suppose the excitement was a bit much for the old steady hand trick. This was rather rapidly followed by Black-billed Turaco, Kandt's Waxbill and a 50+ strong flock of Slender-billed Starlings.

The other inhabitants of Bwindi didn't remain hidden with a good view of Black-fronted Duiker and a slow moving Ruwenzori Three-horned Chameleon (Large photo link). The rest of the drive also produced Crowned as well as Black & White Casqued Hornbills.

Needless to say by the morning we were rearing to go and breakfast took 2nd place to birding in and around the Buhoma Community Camp & Lodge. As our local guide Alex arrived, the species were coming thick and fast and to the accompaniment of the Black Cuckoo call; we had 4 Brown-throated Wattle-eyes with an immature, Northern Double-collared, Collared, Bronze, Green-headed and Green-throated Sunbirds, Luhder's and Bocage's Bush-shrikes, African Thrush with a juvenile, and a lot of Little Greenbuls, to name but a few.

Walking on toward the start of the main trail through the forest at Buhoma, nothing slowed down and our heads were almost spinning as we tried to take it all in. Dusky Blue Flycatcher and Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher quietly watched us while a White-spotted Flufftail out of reach (and sight) teased us with its call. This first part of our walk was turning into a cuckoo and greenbul party with Emerald and Levaillant's Cuckoos providing cracking views and the Cameroon Sombre, Ansorge's, Yellow-whiskered and Honeyguide Greenbuls added their names to the list. Snowy-crowned Robin-chat gave a lovely rendition of its song while posing followed by a troop of L'Hoest's Monkeys (photo below) in the trees. It is only at this stage that we reached the start of the trail!

The next 2 hours produced even more specials in addition to more sightings of some of the above-mentioned species. Bar-tailed Trogon tantalised us with on-going calls, but sightings were had of Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Blue-throated Brown Sunbird, Red-tailed Greenbul, Red-throated Alethe, Mountain Illadopsis, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Black-necked Weaver and only brief glimpses of the Crested Guineafowl on the forest 'floor' following the monkeys foraging overhead.

White-breasted Nigrita

We had excellent views of a little group of Red-headed Malimbe followed by sightings of Chestnut Wattle-eye, Grey and Buff-throated Apalis, White-breasted Nigrita, Grey-throated Barbet, Green-headed, Olive-bellied and Little Green Sunbirds. The calling Bronze-naped Pigeon and the Many-coloured Bush-shrike was to elude us for the whole trip as the Black-throated Rufous Warbler almost succeeded in doing but after awhile showed itself. Speckled Tinkerbird was also playing hard to get as opposed to elegantly, albeit distant, posed Black Bee-eater. Brown-capped Weaver put in a brief appearance before we hit the final stretch back to the camp for lunch.

More mammals for the morning included the Boehm's and Red-legged Sun Squirrels, Red-tailed Monkeys and even better views of the Black-fronted Duiker.

Red-tailed Monkey

NW Tanzania - Bukoba via Biharamulo to Rwanda

2010-06-06T05:29:00.000-07:00

The morning of the 31st it was time to head off again, my friends to Rubondo Island before going to Rwanda, and me off to Rwanda. Once again back into uncharted territory for me, I set off along the road along the western side of Lake Victoria which eventually splits to the Rwanda road and the road to Mwanza on the southern shores of Lake Victoria. It was a scenic exit from Bukoba town with a variety of breathtaking views.
The road soon reverted to bush road again as I approached Biharamulo Game Reserve and the thought of a potential very long driving day ahead I tried not to stop to often.

Not too dissimilar from the road I'd taken north at the start of my trip through Kamisi Game Reserve.

The few sightings were good though with a couple of Common Kestrel dive-bombing an Augur Buzzard. Other sightings to add to the trip list included Black-winged Red Bishop, White-crowned Helmet-shrikes and a Lizard Buzzard (photo below).

Around 4pm (Tz time) I crossed the Akagera River again back into Rwanda, my heart heavy about leaving such an amazing area of Tanzania, yet simultaneously excited because I knew I would be working on the planning for my next trip here in the next couple of months.

169 species of birds for my Tz trip list including 1 new one for the country and a new reptile species for the country, so hardly a trip not productive as I also got at least 16 lifers out the trip as well!

NW Tanzania - Minziro Forest (2) & Kyaka to Bukoba

2010-06-06T05:11:00.000-07:00

The afternoon birding set off at pace with Red-faced Cisticola, Tawny-flanked Prinia and Grey Plantain-eaters. A Black Kite (the migrant - Milvus migrans migrans) was a surprise sighting - what the heck was it still doing here?! Village Weavers added another weaver to the growing list of weavers.

We parked up at the start of the forest proper and started walking, this is also where we encountered the Rhinoceros Viper, a new species record for Tanzania.

If we thought species came thick and fast the previous day, we were about to be challenged. In quick succession, Vanga Flycatcher, African Shrike Flycatcher, Little Greenbul, Olive-bellied Sunbird, Western Olive Sunbird, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Great Blue Turaco and Yellowbill at my 1st gps point.

The next produced Narina Trogon (photo on left), Blue-breasted Kingfisher, White-headed Saw-wing, Rufous Flycatcher-thrush, B&W Casqued Hornbill, Little Green Sunbird and Spotted Greenbul.

Further on we had a stunning view of probably one of the most beautiful sunbirds, a Superb Sunbird - with a female and 2 begging juveniles! Slender-billed Greenbul hung around on the periphery followed by 2 flyovers of White-thighed Hornbill, yet another new species for the country confirmed. Chased off by the barbaric hordes of mozzies at sundown, our last sighting on the way back was a pair of Wattled Lapwings.

Next morning was a relaxing morning as were setting off to Bukoba and wanted to do some more concentrated birding along the way. A lifer presented itself before we left - Splendid Starling! And splendid it was indeed!
Stopping every now and then along the road we got more Afep Pigeon, Purple-banded Sunbird and yet more flocks of the Fan-tailed Widowbird males and their entourages.

Not many new species for our trip list initially but then it got going with African Marsh Harrier females flushing in excess of 100 Red-headed Queleas, Stout, Zitting and Siffling Cisticolas and a pair of White-browed Scrub-robins calling clearly enough to get me a couple of good call recordings. The next stop was to be our highlight of the day!

Parking near a little bridge over a wetland, Grey-capped Warbler and Greater Swamp Warbler were calling like crazy. A pair of Banded Martins perched low nearby but good enough for good views. Yellow-backed Weavers were all over the shop and the a lifer in Orange Weaver - certainly a very aptly named bird with a distinctly orange plumage and not the 'normal' weaver-yellow!

As we were looking at the Orange Weaver, a Papyrus Gonolek (photo on right) popped out less than 2m from us and continued to test our cameras' fitness for awhile. Not to be outdone, Rufous-bellied Heron (photo below) appeared about 5m away! Whoaaa! Showtime! Lilac-breasted Roller, Malachite Kingfisher, Hooded Vulture, Swamp Flycatcher, Marico Sunbird, Northern Brown-throated and Slender-billed Weavers now all vied for our attention.
We spent our evening reminiscing about the last couple of days and trying to work our way through probably the worlds toughest chicken ever which we agreed must've been at least the world's oldest and scrawniest chicken till it met its fate on our plates.

NW Tanzania - Minziro Forest (1)

2010-06-06T04:42:00.001-07:00

The next morning started early with some birds at the place we stayed with loads of Village Indigobirds, Lesser Striped Swallows and White-rumped Swifts. Next to the bridge over the Akagera River there was a Black-headed Heron breeding colony with at least 3 chicks in evidence. The trip to the forest got us yet some more Broad-billed Rollers, Bronze Sunbird, White-headed Saw-wing, Woodland Kingfisher and some Grey-back Fiscals.

A cracking sighting was a Moustached and a Broad-tailed Warbler displaying almost alongside each other. Scarlet-chested Sunbird was our next sunbird for the list. We were trying to push on to meet the forest guide for our walk but we were being distracted so much, especially by FIVE Great Blue Turacos having a bath next to the road - they scampered off too quick though for the amazing photo it would've made.

Eventually setting off on foot to the forest from a hill, we were descending about 150m through tall grass and past some Ankole cattle.

The clouds were looking rather threatening so we hurried on past the Pin-tailed Whydah, Black-crowned Waxbill, Black & white and Bronze Mannikins. Blue-spotted Wood Dove was calling and Baglafecht Weaver, Tambourine Dove and Yellow-fronted Canary made brief appearances.

The first rain-drops were felt as we entered the forest and it started to rain and while trying to shelter (unsuccessfully) a Red-tailed Ant-thrush showed itself obligingly. The forest was dense and very wet and muddy and sadly rather quiet due to the rain.

A brief respite in the weather got us walking further and a very young, fluffy Wood Owl made its appearance, staring at us in what seemed to be irritated shock.
Crowned and B&W Casqued Hornbills were around as was an African Paradise Flycatcher, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Little Greenbuls and Red-chested Cuckoo. At the forest edge we found a little shelter from the now pouring rain but very soon left it due to its other steroid mozzie inhabitants which would cover one's clothes and/or bare arm in seconds! This also gives a bit of perspective of the forest canopy height.
We set off uphill out of the forest and as we progressed, the rain stopped - naturally! More rain was settling in over the forest further away but we had some great vistas to enjoy.

Akagera River winding its way through the forest on its way to Lake Victoria

The drive back (it was past midday already) wasn't uneventful with a lovely close sighting of a Blue-spotted Wood Dove and a lifer with White-headed Barbet - the latter gave me a chance for a record shot at least.

In town the market was in full swing as well - photo taken as we drove past

Lunch and a couple of Kilimanjaro beers got us in relax mode for a couple of hours before we set off back to the forest, determined to walk the stretch we had driven through about 3 times now.

NW Tanzania - Road to Kyaka & Mutukula PLUS Minziro Forest

2010-06-06T04:23:00.000-07:00

The birds weren't being very obliging for photos but managed to get this one of a Bare-faced Go-away Bird. We did have quite a few sightings though with Fan-tailed Widowbirds doing their displays everywhere along with their cousins the Red-collared Widowbirds and one sighting again of Broad-tailed Paradise Whydah, a new record for the area. Sooty Chats were everywhere once again and we saw White-browed and Blue-headed Coucals, heard Ross' Turaco and Black & White Casqued Hornbills. Flappet Larks displayed very audibly and we got some views of them. Red-headed Queleas abounded. Black-shouldered Kites were seen every few kilometres and Little Bee-eaters weren't too uncommon.

We added another Palm-nut Vulture to the list, 7x Southern Carmine Bee-eaters, Thick-billed Weaver, Malachite Kingfisher, Long-crested Eagle, White-headed Saw-wing, Yellow-throated Longclaw (rather common), Singing Cisticola, Grey Kestrel and Broad-billed Rollers.

Kyaka was where we would stay for 2 nights. This building above, well the ruins of it anyway, was on a hill in the town. One of the buildings Idi Amin bombed during the 70's.

At and near the border we had a couple of Meyer's Parrot, 30+ Open-billed Storks soaring, Hooded Vulture again, Yellow-billed Stork, Rock Martin, some more Fork-tailed Drongo, Black-headed Gonolek heard, Black-lored Babblers (who gave me a great call recording and interestingly sound a little higher pitched than those in Rwanda), Marico & Variable Sunbirds and yet another Flappet Lark.

After meeting up with my friends and the birding guide Emmanuel (brilliant guide) from Uganda we set off back to Kyaka to check in to our basic local motel and have a bite before going to Minziro Forest.

Marsh Tchagra opened our trek followed by Great Blue & Ross' Turaco, Red-chested Cuckoo and Crowned Hornbill. Afep Pigeon was a cool lifer for me. On way into and through the forest the sightings and calls came thick and fast with only an opportunity for a photo of the Black & white Casqued Hornbill.

A Yellowbill (Green Coucal/Malkoha) was trying its best to stay hidden as were the Toro Olive Greenbuls. The Little Greenbuls were only slightly more obliging with a few seconds longer view. The Nigritas came in pairs as well with great views of White-breasted and Grey-crowned Negrofinches. Yellow-spotted Barbet (a stunning steroid version of a Tinkerbird), Black-throated Apalis, Olive-bellied & Little Green Sunbirds, Green Crombec and Black-necked Weavers. The Black-billed Turaco was calling but refused to show itself.

Later some Red-headed Lovebirds gave me another lifer and we had some more weavers like Baglafecht and Holub's Golden Weaver. Driving back in the dark we flushed some nightjars which the driver had frustratingly no experience of dealing with, so some records lost there. A pair of Water Thick-knees was our last species for the day.

NW Tanzania - Bukoba & the Lake Victoria beach

2010-06-06T03:57:00.000-07:00

The campsite in Bukoba was on the beach and had 3 traditional huts as bandas - going inside was a pleasant surprise as there was a huge double bed with mosquito net, the works. This reminded me that I was in mozzie heaven again and needed to take some precautions i.e. tons of repellant.

Bukoba Harbour

Musila Island just east of Bukoba beach

The birds were numerous beyond my wildest expectations and although my island trip was off due to very strong winds, I could hardly be bored. Pied Kingfishers were in excess of 100 birds, well I stopped counting then, as were the Little Egrets. A few Open-billed Storks were around, couple of Fish Eagles and many Sacred Ibis.

Little Egret

Open-billed Stork

Pied Kingfisher

Other birds around the afternoon included Spur-winged Lapwing, Woodland Kingfisher, Lesser Striped Swallow, Yellow White-eye, Marabou Stork, Cattle Egret in breeding plumage (stacks of them as well), cracking sighting of Shikra in the campsite, Hamerkop, MORE Rueppell's Long-tailed Starling and a few Long-tailed Cormorants.

The evening was relaxing next to a fire on the beach and a full moon

The next morning early produced a huge surprise, 2x Abdim's Storks arriving at the beach! Due to the light I only managed a record shot unfortunately.

After my sighting of the Abdim's Storks I sat around watching waking and arriving birds while I waited for our Tanzanian guide to arrive who'd be with us for the next days. The plan was to set off early to the Uganda border (80km) slowly and do some birding along the way. I was craving some coffee first and the campsite cook was off duty hence I had to wait for the guide and then find something in town.

Meanwhile a group of 16 Great Cormorants flew over and all the above species started arriving in great numbers again, with Pied Kingfishers taking the lead again. Eventually the guide arrived and we went to town where we joined the traditional morning coffee stops where one gets a double tot measure of some strong Bukoba coffee - after 5 of these and 300 Tz Shillings (1,400 = $1), 15+ Hooded Vultures including a juvenile, 3x Grey Plantain-eaters and 2x Palm-nut Vultures, we set off for Mutukula (Uganda border post) via Kyaka.

NW Tanzania - Rusumo Falls to Bukoba

2010-06-06T03:39:00.000-07:00

I arrived at Rusumo Falls, the Tanzania/Rwanda border at 7am Rwanda time on the 27th and after a not too lengthy process of passport, vehicle documents and changing money, I was on my into uncharted territory - for me anyway. Before I crossed the bridge over the Akagera River I walked halfway first to get a photo of the falls in full tilt after all the rains in the north and had to try and get a good angle without getting the lens wet from the spray. Across the border I entered I entered East Africa time-zone and it became 8am - hour lost grrr!

A stretch of road for 15miles with Copper Sunbird and Yellow-throated Longclaw when I reached a little village where I suspected the turn-off north should be but got no sign saying so. Stopped and chatted to a local, getting my Swahili back into swing and he explained about the road, the alternative route further east and the need for a cop escort on the road I intended to take. He pointed out where the cops were although all I saw was guerilla-like figures with AK47's slung over the shoulder. Apparently they don't wear uniform for this as it attracts more attention than is necessary. Anyway, I set off with my escort into amazing bush country with 2m+ high grass along the road-side and stacks of birds flitting up and dropping down into the realms of invisibility.

After dropping the escort off, north of Kamisi Game Reserve we'd just driven through, there were some more patches and amazing scenery. This is a "good" section of road by the way!
Stopping occasionally, the Tz list got underway with Sooty Chat (extremely common I would eventually realise), Green-winged Pytilia and Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu. The Lilac-breasted Rollers were everywhere with a few female Bateleurs along the way.

Many species were in breeding plumage and displaying including Pin-tailed Whydah and Broad-tailed Paradise Whydah although I was gutted I couldn't get shots of the latter.

Trilling Cisticola kept me busy for awhile with one of its lesser known calls and Plain-backed Pipits abounded along the way, many of them showing a light tawny-orange wash on the flanks. Further species to Kyaka included Common Buttonquail (flushed from the side of the road), Common Scimitarbill, pair of Black-chested Snake-eagles, Arrow-marked & Black-lored Babblers. Rueppell's Long-tailed Starling was all over the shop and competing with Speckled Mousebird for abundancy awards.

At Kyaka I drove a section of road along the Akagera River again, and saw the bridge along the road heading north to the Uganda border - the road I would be taking the next day to meet up with friends coming from the Uganda side.

The road further to Bukoba and Lake Victoria was good tar seal and it was getting late in the afternoon (I had planned an island trip but was already 2hrs late), So not much stopping but did get a pair of Palm-nut Vultures along the way. Massive wetlands along the road and some rocky outcrops promised some good birding for the next few days.

Finfoot & Battle weary buffalo (Lake Mburo Part 4)

2010-04-11T01:23:00.000-07:00

We also came across another buffalo who had clearly just returned from an un-televised WWF fight somewhere. Nothing was left of the right eye and the left eye was seriously swollen - what did the other guy(s) look like??!! He was well grumpy with his only eye opening painfully on the lake and probably wondering where all the land had disappeared to. Needless to say, Moses steered the boat out of reach of this old man.
Pleasantly chugging along, Moses pointed out (less excited than before) another Finfoot. OK, I can get excited about a 2nd Finfoot - no problem with that, so off went the rapid shutter fire again, hoping for at least one decent hit. Why can't these birds be curious and stop and look at us at least for a few seconds?? They just don't make them like they used to anymore!

Well, a few near misses with the rapid fire accounts for this shot;

Starting to make our way back towards the shore (geez, time's flying!) it was only about 5min later when Moses blandly stated "Oh, there's another one." Another what?!...buffalo, flying pig, jumping fish, storm...talk to me!! My head spinning like somebody at a Red Arrows aerobatic show trying to watch 5 planes all over the sky. Just another finfoot he says - my exclamation of 'HUH' this time is not due to shock but the near ridiculous occurrence of Finfoots here. Who said they're hard to see - they're a dime a dozen for Pete's sake! But still trying for a decent hit, rapid shutter fire is engaged which appears to be more accurate - lack of adrenaline maybe?

Getting to shore after spotting some distant Pink-backed Pelicans, we thank Moses with huge smiles for an entertaining and extremely productive boat trip. He later comes over to us again asking if I would please send photos of the White-backed Night Heron and mating Fish Eagles - these are important sightings you see. And of the African Finfoot Moses, I ask - nah, that's ok he mumbles. (I wonder how many Finfoots he sees every day?!)

Settling down for a soda in the lakeside local restaurant, we continue to watch the 30-40 Yellow Wagtails foraging in the grass and dozens of Barn and Lesser Striped Swallows feasting on the emerging lake flies/midges. Turning to look at the Village Weaver colony with the seemingly single intruding Lesser Masked Weaver, something swims out from the tree and along the campsite shore - ANOTHER finfoot - Nooooooooooo!?!? This must be a joke! They got zillions of radio controlled finfoots or what? and NO, I didn't take pictures of this bird as well.

The missus gave me the good news that she felt quite relaxed and there was no rush back to the lodge so a leisurely birding drive was in order. Must be something in air bringing me all this luck on a single morning! (I did ask for confirmation about this leisurely drive a few times before we left though).

Relaxation was clearly on the mind of others as well (we were only a accorded a very brief perfunctory look before dozing off again)
The rest of the drive back wasn't extremely busy bird-wise (something to do with it being 1pm?) but we came across our 1st baboons for the trip and more of the very common Bateleurs in the sky. I have absolutely no reason to believe that the Bateleurs in this park ever perch in trees, but in fact spend their life on the wing soaring at great heights. A Long-crested Eagle was following suit and enjoying the afternoon thermals.

A little junction where we turned off appeared to be the birds' junction as well with Red-rumped Swallows, Spot-flanked Barbet, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Black-necked Weaver and at least 10-15 Little Bee-eaters.

After about 6x Broad-billed Rollers, all seemingly in fresh plumage, and some Fork-tailed Drongos, we stopped later closer to the lodge for a photo of our room perched on a rocky outcrop.
We took a bit of a break at the room before my contemplated walk into the woodland and bush around the lodge later.

Part 5 soon

Fish Eagles going for gold! (Lake Mburo Part 3)

2010-04-11T00:53:00.000-07:00

With heart rates slowly returning to a state of what would be considered sort of normal, Moses angled the boat toward another section of papyrus and reeds, going nice and slowly. Malachite and Pied Kingfishers abounded to the point they made sparrows and house crows seem rare, although their numbers were never remotely near the number of Fish Eagles.

As far as one could see along the shores there were pairs, individuals and immatures perched - pairs were max 100m apart, so the call of Africa was in "super theatre" surround sound, occasionally shattered to embarrassing smithereens by the breaking and untrained voice of a youngster (not a dissimilar interruption to that of a single strum of a loud un-tuned electric guitar in the middle a choral choir's performance!)

We slowly crossed this section of lake to where the shore was lined with large fig trees and acacias - in addition to overhanging vegetation and some papyrus and reeds here and there. After the heron's blaze of glory, I remained silent about the possibility of African Finfoot, not wanting to jinx the possibility of a sighting. The perched Fish Eagles provided for some relaxing photography of pairs as well individuals flying and calling at the same time which rather looked like a Boeing plane with a Concorde nose upside down - don't these flippen birds care to look where they're flying, heads pointed at the sky and calling yet hurtling through space like kamikaze pilots?!! A nice scoop for me was a sequence of photos of a pair mating (missed out only on photos of some Fish Eagle laying eggs I think)

Let's do it like they do it on the Discovery Channel darling!

Hang on love!! Nearly there (thinks... "damn, almost losing my balance here!")

Phew!! Male: "That was hard Work!" Female: "THAT's IT??!"

Pushing this avian exhibitionism reluctantly to the back of our minds we approached the outer edge of the comfort zone of a buffalo relaxing on the shore with a small retinue of attendees including Little Egret, 6x Water Thick-knees, Pied Wagtail and at a safer distance, Common Sandpiper.

The 'upstanding' member of the retinue

Common Sandpiper preferring the safer option a bit further away

Slowly drifting past this scene of inactivity, I almost did a back somersault out of the boat when Moses hissed "quick!! Photo!! Finfoot!!!". My eyes wide at this sudden excitement, searched and saw nada! "Where Moses?" "In front of us!!" came the tolerant reply. ahhhhhhhh!!! oh WOOOW! The sound of rapid shutter fire dominates the air waves for a few seconds, then quiet - gets rather difficult taking photos when your grin is halfway around your head! Heart now again racing, palms sweating and adrenaline pumping, Moses makes the understated and softly spoken comment of "Oh, and there's a crocodile" Hmmmmm! the visible parts about about 3m but can't see the tail - this thing was &^%$&*(read "VERY") huge! Oh, and there's a hippo yawning. HUHHHH??! about 10m away!

At this stage it appeared we had intruded on Hippoville's monthly council meeting and the whole district's members were attending. The channel is narrow with hardly any space (to me it seemed it like none) to turn around, only go forward. Moses calmly (I think) finds a wee dent of penny-sized space in the papyrus and makes a perfect 180 degree U-turn with the rear end passing only a couple of metres from an irritated council member. We exited quietly yet with some haste from here but not before Moses had pointed out both the Striated and Squacco Herons. Oh yes, I had forgotten - International Heron Day or something today as well!?!

Part 4: MORE suprises!

Bird "circus" on Lake Mburo Boat Trip

2010-04-11T00:16:00.000-07:00

Getting to the boat provided a few birds at the lakeside including at least 30-40 Yellow Wagtails and a host of Village Weavers with a couple of lonely/lost Lesser Masked Weaver (photos of these landlubbers in the next episode).

This place is also a lovely campsite with hot water for showers provided by what seemed a constant burning 'donkey' and a local restaurant of wooden poles, open sides and on a raised deck. The menu on the blackboard had a small foot note "Meals will take 45min/1hour" - at least you knew how long it would take!

Anyway, very soon (with life jackets on board - these help when there are hippo's around??) we set off with our brilliant guide Moses who was also the skipper.

1st up was a Pied Kingfisher who seemed intent on committing suicide by trying to swallow a fish the length of its body - only got some if-ish shots of that part but here it is still swallowing hard to get it down;

A few metres on - pair of Black-crowned Night Herons (my smile quite big at this stage already)
Hammering off the shots, Moses had started the motor again and almost instantly switched it back off "White-backed Night Heron!!" he hissed Very excitedly. True as nuts - a pair of them!!! Lifer for me, I had to recover from my shock quickly and start hammering away at the shutter - AND change memory card !!! and carry on again.

AAAAND, to crown it all - both Night Herons in one frame!!

As the last WB Night Heron flew further into the undergrowth I was speechless, and so was Moses! This was too much excitement in only 10-15min. While we're trying to converse through our stunted speech organs, Papyrus Gonolek and Greater Swamp Warbler called next to us - WTH!! This a damn bird circus?! We knew the calls and the birds, so set off further on the lake to allow our heart rates to return to normal-ish.

Part 3: Fish Eagles galore and more heart-racing sightings!

Uganda: Lake Mburo National Park (Part 1)

2010-04-10T23:36:00.000-07:00

On 29th March we left Ruhengeri via the Cyanika border, the most SW border with Uganda, and proceeded over a rather wet and muddy mountain pass through Kibale and on to Mbarara. Filling up with fuel we realised the weather was a bit more favourable than that in the SW although the hint of rains remained. Another 50km brought us to the turnoff for Lake Mburo where the road to the gate (9km - allegedly) is dirt/mud/slush-puppy but not severe.

Getting to the gate at 3.15pm we were well beyond the missus' off-hand prediction we'll be in time for lunch at the lodge - still approximately 12-15km away. Anyway with not much time to spare (and potential rain looming) we 'rushed' on, stopping I think 3x for a bird (including a Green Sandpiper) or animals - by far the most frustrating way of driving through such a fantastic park.

Sod's law, at the lodge the sun was out and it was lovely and warm. Here I got to take my 1st photos in the NP -a Spotted Bush Snake. Eventually we'd come across 4 just around the pool and the bar.

View from the pool, bar & restaurant was certainly nothing to complain about...

Some of the birds we did manage to see through the rush and at the lodge included Yellow-billed Oxpecker, Ruppell's Long-tailed Starling (zillions), Black-headed Gonolek, Double-toothed Barbet, Bare-faced Go-away Bird and Green Pigeon. Nightjars heard included Black-shouldered (very very similar call to Fiery-necked), Square-tailed (Mozambique) and Freckled.

Ruppell's Long-tailed Starling

Morning kicked off with a cacophony of nightjars, Go-away Birds, Doves, Starlings, Francolin and Spurfowl and some seriously loud Ross' Turaco (I always forget how loud these lovely looking twats are) This morning we were also booked for a 10am boat trip on Lake Mburo with a drive to park HQ of 45min (wildly under-estimated if you ask me). The missus realised that with me driving this was impossible as we would need minimum 2 hours given that she knows I wasn't planning on doing a repeat of the previous day's scan of the park.

We set off with more than 2hrs to get there but alas the last half hour had to be "rushed" again - at this stage I was seriously grinding my teeth. Before the rush some animals and birds did happen along including Slender Mongoose (a very hasty one - was he also on the way to/for the missus?), Palm-nut Vulture (spotted by the chief spotter in the passenger seat aka the Missus) Some other sightings along the way;

Defassa's Waterbuck

Lesser-striped Swallow

A warthog trying its best to get rid of as much grass as possible at Park HQ

Part 2: The Lake Mburo Boat trip

Bird Photos from Thailand

2010-01-27T03:52:00.000-08:00

Here are three more photos of birds from our Dec '09 - Jan'10 trip in Thailand.

White-rumped Shama in Chiang Dao (roughly midway between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai)

Olive-backed Sunbird - also Chiang Dao

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker just outside Khao Sok National Park, Southern Thailand

Hunt for Spoon-billed Sandpiper (Thailand)

2010-01-18T06:11:00.000-08:00

(Mid-December 2009) Our hotel was situated on the bank of the river and had well wooded gardens so my expectations were immediately raised. The number of species was lower than expected but still worthwhile for getting used to the Thai birds. The most common were the Eurasian Tree Sparrows and the constantly seen Zebra and Spotted Doves. Streak-eared Bulbuls also put in an appearance on a regular basis with a special appearance twice by the Oriental Magpie Robin.

A visit to house museum of Jim Thompson produced amongst others, Purple-throated Sunbird and Large-billed Crow. I do think early morning the garden here would be a hive of avian activity before all the staff and tourists arrive.

My day birding was out with Wild Bird Eco-Tour to the Phetchaburi area located on the coast south-west of Bangkok. Our first stop was the Pak Thale area with salt pans to look for the Spoon-billed Sandpiper. The 1^st hour did not deliver although we filled the list with a host of waders of which the Black-winged Stilt was the most numerous – personally I’ve never seen so many in the same immediate area of each other ever. The waders included Red-necked and Temminck’s Stints, Marsh, Terek and Curlew Sandpipers, and Common Redshank. There was also my first Thai kingfisher – Collared Kingfisher. The great moment – our 1^st Spoon-billed Sandpiper! The guide and myself were bouncing about with glee. What a wonderful and extremely energetic little bird filtering away at a speed that would make your eyes water. Cruising away after this – another two Spoon-billed Sandpipers! (Unfortunately too far away for photos) What a great start to our day!

Pond Heron (non-breeding Plumage)

From here we went on to Laem Pak Bia - King’s Project for some more birding between the different reservoirs, we didn’t venture off into the mangroves though. This proved productive with Common Snipe, Golden Plover, Red-wattled Lapwing , Ruff, Bar-tailed Godwit and a host of Pond Herons. We didn’t venture an ID on the latter in their non-breeding plumage although this didn’t detract from how obliging they were to us getting close and getting some good photos. I was treated to another two new kingfishers – White-throated and Black-capped Kingfisher. A Brahminy Kite was also perched near us at one stage until I touched my camera and flew off.

White-throated Kingfisher

The rest of the day was relaxing driving around through agricultural and wetland areas and looking what was about. Common Kingfisher was the 4^th in the family for the day after which the species just continued to roll (or was it us rolling) in; Bronze-winged and Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Purple Swamphen, Common Greenshank, Indian Roller (Photo),

Blue-tailed and Green Bee-eaters, the constantly calling Asian Koel, Long-tailed Shrike, and a jaw-dropping (for me anyway) by the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo!

A most enjoyable and highly recommended day out birding where you can work as hard or as little as you want for the species you’re looking for.

Cairo & Dahab (Sinai)

2009-12-04T23:01:00.000-08:00

Birding in Cairo was pretty much only "drive-by" birding or what could be seen from the hotel but a fair amount of species was seen. Due to circumstances in Dahab I missed out on a desert safari so missed a load of the planned specials there.

Staying on the island of Zagalek in Cairo, the most common birds were Hooded Crows, House Sparrows and Turtle Doves with the occasional Laughing Dove around. One morning there were Yellow-vented Bulbuls (no idea where they were the other mornings) and a lone Kestrel. At the pyramids there was a Buzzard being harassed by the Hooded Crows.

The drive down to Saqqara goes along a wide channel and this proved more productive with Cattle Egret, Crag Martin, Little Egret (from what I saw it wasn't Western Reef Egret), a juvenile Squacco Heron, Spur-winged Lapwing, Egyptian Swallow (the Egyptian sub-species of Barn Swallow) and White Wagtail. Lunch on the one of the Nile river-boats in Cairo produced Pied and White-breasted Kingfisher, White Wagtail and Mallards - no sign of the Northern Pintails I'd heard were so abundant.

Down in Dahab there were some worth-while sightings too and even a couple of photo opportunities. The Osprey perched on the police station's antenna was a daily regular, albeit not popular with the cops as it defecates straight onto the entrance. The other usual suspects- Hooded Crows and House Sparrows were abundant and one had to hunt for anything else.

A pair of Western Reef Egrets visited the shoreline in front of our restaurant every morning giving the opportunity to see up close the difference in leg colour and bill shape and colour with that of Little Egret.

One morning early I came across a bunch of Spanish Sparrows further north of Dahab town as well White Wagtail and Laughing Dove. Singular surprises came in the form of a pair of Northern Pintails in the bay north of Dahab and a leisurely fly-by of a White-eyed Gull. The next day a Caspian Tern came cruising past. The highlight was a pair of Rough-legged Buzzards flying in from the north of the Gulf of Aqqaba (the gulf where Dahab is located and Saudi Arabia is the opposite shore).

On the 2nd Nov I drove with somebody to Cairo overland across Sinai - looking out for anything interesting was rather difficult at speed but at the one checkpoint, I was rewarded with Fan-tailed Raven.

Hayle, RSPB Reserve in Cornwall, UK

2009-10-22T03:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday, 18 October turned out to be grey and cool with the odd gusting wind. Out at Hayle though, it appeared to be a 'pleasant' day for the birds. An hour's birding at the mudflats and along the path to the hide produced a decent list of around 30 species, 3 of which I must give credit for to the other friendly birders who pointed out far-away species and let me 'use' their scope - thanks.

The path from the hide to mudflats produced a Robin, Blue Tit clambering through the reeds (not seen them doing this before), Chaffinches and Gold Finches. Arriving at the road-side view of the mudflats I was confronted with a host of birds. Most numerous were the Herring and Black-headed Gulls (adults and immatures) and Lapwings followed by a huge number of Common Teals, both adult and immatures. Between this the friendly birder pointed out a few pairs of Mediterranean Gulls with at least one sub-adult.

Nearby was a Curlew (see previous post for photos) working the shallows and a bit further off, a Common Redshank.

Common Redshank and Teals

Little Egret, Rock Pipit, Pied and Grey Wagtails were on the near shore although the Pipit and Grey Wagtail were only around briefly. To the far edges there was a Grey Heron, at least one Eurasian Spoonbill and a fair amount of Wigeons. There were about 5 Eurasian Oystercatchers with one coming closer for awhile offering me at least a record photo opportunity.

Eurasian Oystercatcher

Another highlight was the Bar-tailed Godwit that the friendly birder pointed out - great to see as I don't to get to them very often. Other species present included Mute Swan and the obligatory Rooks.

Plumage Lessons from a Curlew

2009-10-22T03:02:00.000-07:00

Sunday, 18 October I was at the Hayle RSPB Reserve in Cornwall (UK). A Curlew Numenius arquata was being most obliging in offering photo opportunities - just a pity the quality of light wasn't that great.

At one stage, it started preening and stretching wings presenting a great lesson in wing and tail plumage.

"You looking at me?"

Birding at Bujagali Falls, Jinja (UGANDA)

2009-10-20T02:17:00.000-07:00

Last week I spent a few days in Bujagali Falls where I stayed at Nile River Explorers. Located outside Jinja town, this area is not only the hub for kayaking and white-water rafting activities but also provides a great diversity in bird species. For those keen on the more obvious of insects, dragonflies and butterflies, there's a host of species and rather easy photo opportunities.

I didn't need to go far for some impressive sightings with the highlight probably the not often seen migrant Common/European Cuckoo although seeing the African Grey Parrots (photo on right) virtually everyday is always a special is my book. There was widespread evidence of successful breeding with immatures everywhere with adults, the most notable being the number of young with some pairs of Scarlet-chested Sunbirds who have clearly had a good breeding season. Red-chested Sunbirds were busy nesting in one of the large acacia trees. The Collared Sunbird pair also had one youngster with them.

Migrants in addition to the cuckoo were seen regularly with European Bee-eaters flying over, Olivaceous Warblers foraging in the acacia trees and a couple of sightings of Common Sandpipers in the eddy below the camp.

As far as numbers go the Long-tailed and Great Cormorants top as usual followed by the Sand Martins who appeared occasionally in flocks varying between 40 and 100. Although common, the Black Kites and Pied Crow never come close in numbers to the Cormorants and Martins. At one stage the Openbill Storks were around 20 birds with some soaring and others perched near the river.

Birds of prey are always great here with the most prominent (and verbal) being the African Fish Eagles. Long-crested Eagle and African Harrier-hawk made brief appearances overhead as did a Shikra (Little Banded Goshawk). A Lizard Buzzard perched close to the viewing deck with some prey and offered a great photo opportunity, albeit through the leaves and branches - not unlike the skulking but loud Black-headed Gonoleks.

Black-headed Gonolek

Other species seen here; Eastern Plantain-eater, Yellow White-eye, Little and Baglafecht Weavers, African Blue Flycatcher, Little Egret, Lesser Striped-Swallow, Grey-backed Camaroptera, African Darter and Black-headed Heron.

Eastern Plantain-Eater

Welcome to my new Blog

2009-10-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

This blog will be for all matters birding-related outside of Rwanda from our neighbouring countries to other regions and continents. I will also be posting about some past trips in the meanwhile between my travels out of Rwanda.

There is a trip coming up next week where I'll be driving via Northern Tanzania (south of Lake Victoria - an area I've not visited before) to Nairobi, Kenya.

To kick off, here's a photo I took in August 2009 of a Hartlaub's Turaco in Nairobi, Kenya.