Celebrating Uhuru while birding

TOURISM | BIRDING | BYARUHANGA

While the rest of Uganda was celebrating the 59^th Independence Day, hundreds of birders across the country were all eyes for the feathered beauties.

While flagging off the annual national day at Uganda Museum on October 8, Herbert Byaruhanga urged the new recruits in the hobby to be all eyes and ears them if Uganda is to retain its global position as a third or perform better.

“Last year we came after Tanzania and Kenya respectively,” said Byaruhanga. “But I know with 1075 bird species logged countrywide we can beat them. Make sure you log every bird. Go armed with your equipment, let there be a seasoned birder in every group to help identify those seen.”

Byaruhanga beamed with smiles of satisfaction as he announced the recruitment of 120 youthful birders in vacation and higher institutions of learning.

“People are squealing themselves hoarse for jobs when birders cannot have enough guides in the country as yet,” tipped Byaruhanga. “It is one job you can do as a hobby and a source of income. You can walk all the way to the bank with $100 a day with bed and breakfast on the house!”

Byaruhanga said If Uganda attracted 10, 000 birders in a year spending between $5, 000-$10, 000 there would be numerous multiplier effects.

“The transporters, hoteliers and guides would have a service for a fee,” said Byaruhanga. “On top of that, the artefacts dealers will also cash in as they take back home mementoes. We want to open up for post-COVID-19 Lockdown with a bang.”

Talking to the new recruits was a revelation of their fascination, expectations and what they have mastered during the training.

“All I knew about birds was chicken being so delicious as Luwombo (steamed in Banana leaves) or roasted,” confided Esther Namirimu. “But now I know they have a lifestyle, feed and court. I was impressed by a guide in Kibale Forest who could mimic the tweets!”

Martha Theresa, a senior six holidaymaker says she has always heard weaverbirds singing their heads off and taking them for granted.

“Now I know they are one of the noisiest birds in the world,” revealed Ahereza. “Those with bright feathers are normally males. The colours entice the females to mate with them.”

Evat Akamanya in the same tone swore to stick to birding for the rest of his life.

“It is a family-friendly hobby and nature conserving,” says Akamanya. “Do you know that our National Emblem bird has only one spouse in life?  Widows and widows remain single for life.”

 As Uhuru celebrations had eyes glued on television sets birds in Kidepo Valley National Park, Mburo National Park, Lutembe Beach, Mabamba Swamp and elsewhere in the country were scouting out for every feathered beauty courting, nesting or procreating.