Bird Watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bird Watching in Bwindi impenetrable national park: Bwindi impenetrable national park is basically known for gorilla trekking safari due to the existence of the largest population of endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. However, Bwindi impenetrable national park is yet a birder’s haven with over 360 bird species making it a best place to go for birding safaris in Uganda and Africa at large. Bwindi forest harbors abundant of birdlife including species endemic to Albertine rift, rare bird species, water birds, forest birds and many more. Uganda is a home to over 1000 species of birds making one of the top birding destination in the world with some species that are marked Red on IUCN list that thrill in Bwindi impenetrable national park.
The beauty of bird watching in Bwindi impenetrable national park is that at every part of the park, you will be watching birding even in the surroundings of your accommodation, you will watch and listen to beautiful melodies of different bird species.
On a lucky day during birding in Bwindi impenetrable national park, one may have a chance of encounter with mountain gorillas since this is their habitat but not guaranteed that you must see them. It comes as a chance thus the best way to watch mountain gorillas is by taking on a gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park.
Bwindi impenetrable national park has 4 sectors but the best sectors for birding adventure in this park are Ruhija sector and Buhoma sector that thrill with the largest population of birdlife and a lot of other attractions to encounter while on a birding safari.
The most important birding spot in Ruhija sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park is along Mubwindi swamp where there is a great opportunity to watch endemic species to Albertine rift, water birds and many more making it the best sector to visit in Bwindi impenetrable national park for bird watching adventure. It is very easy to watch as many bird species in Ruhija as possible as in any other sector of the park. Look out for some bird species including Ruwenzori batis, handsome Francolin, white-tailed crested Flycatcher, red-faced woodland Warbler, chestnut-throated Apalis, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, yellow-streaked Greenbul, African Green Broadbill, Short-tailed Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Shelley’s Crimson-wing, African Green Broadbill, Chapin’s Flycatcher among others.
While in Buhoma sector, the best birding spots are along the walking trails since Buhoma thrills with several trails including Munyaga river trail and River Ivi trail that leads to Mukempunu with a chance to spot wild pigs. These two trails are best for bird watching in Bwindi impenetrable national park. Other trails include Waterfall trails, Rushura trail, Muzabajiro Loop trail and many more. Look out for bird species including; Jameson’s Antpecker, Waller’s Starling, Grey Crowned Crane, African Paradise flycatcher, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Ruwenzori Batis, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Cape Wagtail, Grey-cheeked Hornbill, Mountain Wagtail, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Blue Spotted wood dove, African Dusky Flycatcher, African Hill-babbler, African Olive-pigeon, Pink-footed Puff back, Brown-capped Weaver, Handsome francolin, Great Blue Turaco, Elliot’s Woodpecker, Ross’s Turaco and many more.
Best time for bird watching in Bwindi impenetrable national park,
Bird watching like any other activity can be enjoyed all year round. From the months of May and June which is the nesting season, expect to watch as many birds a possible, besides food is in abundant till September. The months of November to April are best months to spot migratory birds. While the months of March to May, uganda usually experience heavy rains which could make birding difficult as trails become muddy and slippery but with the climate changes in Uganda, one may be surprised to enjoy a trip in March with little or no rains thus birding in Bwindi is an all year round activity.
The Packing list for bird watching in Bwindi impenetrable national park include; A pair of Binoculars, a camera, long sleeved attire, appropriate water proof hiking boats, insect repellant, sun glasses, a cap, enough snacks and drinking water among others.
Other activities done in Bwindi impenetrable national park,
Apart from Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable national park, the park is known for other several activities including Mountain gorilla trekking which is the major activity in the park and in Uganda at large since the park harbors the largest population of these endangered gorilla species in their natural habitats. Another enjoyable activity in Bwindi impenetrable national park is Batwa experience where the guests get an opportunity to interact with the local batwa people that were once forest dwellers before being expelled from their and getting it as a park, Nature walk via different trails in the forest is also another fascinating activity done in Bwindi impenetrable national park.
