Gorilla Trekking
Agandi (hello everyone)

There we were, inching our way forward as our guides pulled and pushed our dugout through the shallow muddy waters of Mbamba swamp. And the grand prize you might ask? Well, we’d finally spotted the rare and elusive “king of the swamps” aka the Whalehead or better known to all twichers as the Shoebill bird!

Standing at 1.2 m in height, the Shoebill is a remarkably striking stork- like bird with a certain prehistoric look. Its head bears a superficial resemblance to that of the extinct dodo! Quite why the Shoebill’s solid bill is so large has been the topic of much conjecture among ornithologists. Perhaps the need to douse their exposed eggs and nestlings with copious amounts of water is the best answer yet. The upper lip has a formidable nail-like tip, which is used to impale and grasp slippery prey.

A solitary, silent bird locating a one is no easy task. Your best chance in Uganda would be Mbamba swamp, Murchison Falls, Lake Edward Flats & Masaka. Finding one will leave you ecstatic as they are simply incredible birds!

Please contact me for a suitable itinerary and quote.

Tulabagane omwezi ogujja (see you next month)

RWANDA FACT FILE:
• They are only found in four African countries: Uganda, Zambia, and Southern Sudan and occasionally in South Eastern Tanzania.
• It is estimated that 1500 are living in the wild between Uganda and Southern Sudan.
• Shoebills feed in muddy waters, preying on lungfish, tilapia, frogs, young turtles, nesting birds and even small crocs.
• A ground nester, two eggs typically are laid, with both birds taking turnsincubating them. Sadly, due to predation and food availability, it is unusual for both to survive.
• Their main predators are hunters from Japan & Europe! Shoebills also suffer from traditional beliefs; i.e. if one is seen in the morning or met on the road, it depicts a bad Omen. Tribes around Lake Kyoga and Lake Wamala and especially fishermen, will kill them automatically.

* All pictures copyright Lisa Marsden