A bird’s-eye view

There is a very intense inquisitiveness growing in my mind and thought, an excitement that I never felt before for these amazing creatures of God: Birds.
It’s interesting that, my best dreams have always included flying very high, over hills and mountains, overcoming all obstacles but, unlike the Wright brothers whose keen interest in flying, ultimately lead them to invent the flying machine, my curiosity got me nowhere, so I thought it’s time I started to gain more knowledge, and the more I investigated the better it got.

Reading up
And because charity begins at home, my first choice was reading about birds of East Africa. There is this great book by Terry Stevenson and John Franshawe where one can find all the information and beautiful illustrations about almost 1400 species of birds in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.
Surprisingly, at some points while reading, I got a bit stressed out when I found out how many birds I missed watching during all these years of safari making. Right from the Kakamega forest in Western Kenya, to Valleys of Nyeri District where I travelled over two decades ago. And while we went to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to track the mighty Gorillas, it seems we missed out watching some rare bird species.
However, during our travels we didn’t miss the flamingos, when in Kenya we took every chance to visit lake Nakuru and watch these pinkish tall flocks mingle with one another and walk gracefully along the shores of the lake.
One other bird of interest that I can name without referring to a dictionary, is our own Crested Crane that has become the national symbol of Uganda, what I didn’t know is that there are many different varities of Cranes who share the same family but with different features and names. Of course, we know how birds affect people’s lives in different places, to the extent that some cultural dances are generated from moves very similar to birds, such as a Rwandan dance inspired by the Bird of Paradise.

Awesome bird
And while many bird lovers like to see them closer and place the bird in a cage, I cannot stand seeing them in captivity, but if I had to domesticate one, it would be a talking bird. So if you happen to travel to Mombasa and visit Serena hotel, you will get a chance to meet a very lively and talkative grey parrot, whose name I forgot, but who has many interesting words to share with you, especially if you are a woman!
Back to a reality check about birds, with the rate of deforestation going up, and the number of trees that are butchered to give way to an ever growing urbanism, the home and habitat of these birds are demolished, and with them the birds leave and some never come back.

Some species
Uganda, is known as Africa’s premier birding destination.
Green-breasted Pitta.
African Green Broadbill.
Great Blue Turaco.
Shelley’s Crimsonwing.
Standard-winged Nightjar.
Short-tailed Warbler.
africageographic.com

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