Our primeval quarry flashed that cold, knowing smile and flew off, daring us to track it down for better looks. We had to search a little longer than Herbert may have wanted, but our first Shoebill sighting obscured any memory of effort or anxiety. As our pilots plied and poled the calm waters of the swamp, we allowed only passing glances to beauties like Malachite Kingfisher and Fan-tailed Widowbird in order to focus on the goal at hand.ĭepending on time of year, quality of guide, and vagaries of fate, Mabamba Swamp offers at least an 80% chance of success but never a guaranteed bird. The Shoebill does not simply present itself but rather, like any object of ardent affection, must be pursued diligently. Our group, led by world-renowned guide Herbert Byaruhanga, piled into canoes ostensibly to search for a variety of papyrus and wetland specialties, but really we were just looking for the shoebill.Īnd look we did. Mabamba Swamp is where Corey and I spotted our first Shoebill in the company of an international delegation attending the 2019 African Bird Expo. A rich network of spotters, guides, and boat pilots serve a constant stream of visitors at a park dedicated to the twin virtues of aviphilia and conservation. But Mabamba transcends other Shoebill sites because of its extensive birding infrastructure. In addition, this papyrus swamp is simply gorgeous and teeming with other desirable birds. Mabamba’s greatness begins with its proximity to Entebbe the trip from the airport takes about two hours. However, Uganda seems to be the best place in the world to see the Shoebill, and Mabamba Swamp may be the most reliable and convenient target site for this charismatic megabird. That honor goes to the Gray-crowned Crane, a very sexy species in its own right. Nor is the Shoebill the national bird of Uganda. Unfortunately, the world cares little for weavers, no matter how rare or range-restricted. After all, the Shoebill isn’t endemic to the country only Fox’s Weaver currently holds that title. The Shoebill serves as the symbol of the magnificent wildlife experiences Uganda offers visitors, which may seem a bit odd. Its entire aspect hearkens back to prehistoric times, while that enigmatic smile combined with a cold yellow eye suggests either wisdom or menace. But that massive clog on its face, perfect for gobbling lungfish, only explains part of the Shoebill’s charm. This shaggy, slaty, storklike creature possesses a proboscis preposterous enough to put it in league with pelicans, toucans, and curlews. Nothing on Earth quite resembles the Shoebill. These are the kinds of birds even those barely cognizant of nature recognize, appreciate, and aspire to.Ĭentral Africa has one of those birds. Penguins are, obviously, penguins, which makes them awesome.
The Sword-billed Hummingbird puts its less endowed kin to shame. The Resplendent Quetzal boasts a tail so long that people travel the world to admire it.
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