Bird watching in Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most exciting tourist activities within the park. The Park is among the top birding destinations in Uganda, recognized as a bird watching ground because of over 451 bird species in general.
A variety of different bird species exist in this park, such as water birds, savannah birds, forest birds, and some of the Albertine endemic birds. With over 53 species recorded, raptors are also very well represented within the park. It contains over 20 species from the three (3) non-qualifying biomes,11 Guinea Congo Forest birds, six afro tropical highland species and three Somali-Maasai biomes.
Bird watching in Murchison Falls, a savannah park with undulating landscape, is one of its kind. This is because the short and open savannah gives you a clear view of the area to spot some of the ground bird species at a distance. Such birds include the black belly bustard, and Abyssinian ground hornbill among others. So, you are given an opportunity to spot some of the rare, common, seasonal and endemic birds with the park.
Bird Watching Spots in Murchison Falls National Park
Birding in Murchison Falls can be done during a game drive in the northern bank of the park, at the Albertine side, or during a boat cruise along the Nile and the Delta. While on a boat cruise, birds can be spotted on trees, cliffs, wetlands and tones/rocks at the riverbank, which gives you a great opportunity to sight some many water birds. These include the Egyptian goose, pied kingfisher, darters and much more.
You can also enjoy bird watching in Murchison Falls during a nature walk in Budongo forest, Rabongo forest or when hiking to the top of the falls. Treks start from Sambiya River Lodge or Mubako Junction, both on the southern bank, or a walk along the northern bank from Paraa, passing the Emmy River.
Birds like the blue-naped mousebirds, silver birds, and weavers among others can be spotted near Paraa and Red Chilli Rest Camp, through the dry thorn-shrubs.
Still, during a boat cruise along the Nile, very many bird species such as the shoebill stork, grey-crowned cranes, Goliath herons, and black-headed lapwings among others can be spotted. These create a remarkable birding experience within the park.
The Nyamusika Cliffs provide striking views of elephants and savannah herds wandering on the grassy hillsides, in the cool morning air.
Birding Seasons in Murchison Falls.
Birding can be carried out in Murchison Falls all year round, however, dry seasons are the best recommended times for birding in the park. Dry seasons usually run from January-March, but even during the rainy seasons of December-February birding can still be done.
From April-May and August-October there are heavy rains, which makes it difficult for bird watching since the hiking trails become more slippery and roads in the park become impassable.
The shoebill stork is the park’s most outstanding attraction though rare but can be spotted from January to March during the dry season. Migratory birds can also be seen between months of November and April.
Dry season – for Bird watching in Murchison Falls
December to February and June to September, are the dry seasons in the park and most wildlife species concentrate around water bodies, however, it can still rain at any time. It is easier to sight a large number of wildlife species during this season because most of them tend to leave the thick forested habitats in search for water. So, the dry seasons are the best for game drive safaris and bird watching in Murchison Falls National Park.
Wet season
It’s a wet season during the months of March to May; and September to November. So, this is the most ideal season for birding safaris since numerous migrant birds are attracted in the park during this season. Most of residence birds also take this as their breeding season as well, making it a season for birders to realize their dreams in the park.