International Conference for Women Birders

31/10/2024

One key reason to engage a local company that has knowledgeable guides when visiting East Africa is to better understand the region’s remarkable biodiversity, particularly among species that appear similar yet have distinct differences. East Africa is home to various species of zebras and giraffes, each with unique characteristics and habitats. An experienced and knowledgeable guide can point out these subtle distinctions and explain the fascinating adaptations that make each species unique. Additionally, some of these animals are only found in specific national parks, so a guide’s expertise ensures you won’t miss these special encounters or insights during your safari.
We have come to learn that many tourists who travel for mammal watching safari go back without identifying these iconic mammals. We have crafted out a special mammal tour for you. click here to follow the link and make your reservation.

https://hwsignaturejourneys.com/ugandas-iconic-mammal-watching-tour/

28/10/2024

Introducing The Beautiful And Unique PIED AVOCET!
Recurvirostra avosetta.

Hello Family, you cannot believe the excitement for the opportunity to view and photograph these wonderful birds.

The Pied Avocet is a unique, beautiful bird and is a Palearctic migrant belonging to the family of Avocets and Stilts. They are remarkable birds with Upturned Bills which they use to sweep side by side and capture small insects and creatures as they wade in shallow waters.

Listed as uncommon in Uganda its was a GREAT PLEASURE to spend precious hours watching them feed, and groom....
Not to mention the FLAMINGOES!

The Beautiful Pied Avocet is the Emblem for the RSPB Royal Society For the Protection of Birds.

It was !

Lake Munyanyange Caves Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park is an Amazing Lodge i would HIGHLY recommend to all Bird Lovers! You will not regret it. DM Agiire Travels for Wonderful Packages for all budgets.

International Conference for Women Birders
Uganda Women Birders
Explore Uganda




Agiire Travels to Lake Munyanyange Caves Lodge

27/10/2024

Meet Apophia Asiimwe: A Trailblazer in Bwindi Forest Birding

Allow me to introduce one of the most knowledgeable and passionate forest guides, Apophia Asiimwe! Born and raised in the beautiful communities adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Apophia grew up surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature—the iconic Mountain Gorillas, the calls of owls echoing at night, and the vibrant colors of birds like the Great Blue Turaco, sunbirds, and weavers. This early exposure instilled in her a deep love for wildlife and a commitment to conservation.
In her community, Apophia noticed that most guiding and conservation roles were held by men, with only a few female rangers. Inspired by these women, she pursued studies in Wildlife Management, where her interest in birding took flight. At college, she expanded her understanding of bird species, habitats, and ecosystems, fueling her dedication to the field.
Since then, Apophia has trained with the African Institute of Tourism and Field Guiding, continually honing her expertise in bird families, distributions, and Uganda’s unique ecosystems. Now a licensed tourist guide with the Uganda Tourism Board, Apophia proudly brings her knowledge and passion to every tour she leads.
Despite facing challenges, including competition and discrimination in a male-dominated field, Apophia is determined to excel. As a proud member of the Women Birders Club of Uganda, she continues to guide, train, and inspire others, working toward her goal of becoming one of Uganda’s top female guides.
Apophia is one of the beneficiaries of the Kowa optics

21/10/2024

21/10/2024

Swallows, Swifts, Wire-Tails are on my mind....

With my sight, these birds in flight are too fast you can hardly focus the Bins or camera.....
I had the pleasure of photographing them Kazinga Channel Katunguru, while patched on the wires, but honestly they looked the same!

Only when they are on laptop could i tell the differences- and am not quite sure whether am right.....lol

Lovely Birds!

Uganda Women Birders
International Conference for Women Birders

11/10/2024

Tomorrow is another Big Day in Birding . So, I would like to inquire if there is a birding activity scheduled for the Global Big Day event tomorrow in Burlington, MA. I am interested in joining the group if there is any organized activity.

08/10/2024

The White-backed Night Heron (Gorsachius leuconotus) is a shy and elusive bird species, typically found near densely vegetated water bodies. It has distinctive dark plumage with a white back and is most active during dusk and dawn. In Uganda, this rare heron has been recorded in notable birding locations such as Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo, Lutembe Bay, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. These habitats, with their lush wetlands and rivers, provide ideal conditions for the White-backed Night Heron to thrive, making it a sought-after species for avid birdwatchers visiting Uganda.
For your birding and nature tours of East Africa, just contact us at [email protected] or WhatsApp me at +256777912938

04/10/2024

🦅 Eurasian Hobby Migration in Uganda 🌍

The Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo), a small, fast falcon, is currently migrating through Uganda as part of its Palearctic migration. These birds travel from Europe and Asia to spend the winter in Africa. September to November is the prime time to spot them as they pass through, often seen hunting in the late afternoon.

One of their favorite activities here is feasting on flying termites (alates) or white ants during termite swarming season. You may observe them performing impressive aerial maneuvers while catching their prey mid-air!

29/09/2024

The October Big Day is just right around the corner! Are you going to go birding? The Jacanas in Costa Rica will be!

20/09/2024

🐄 Dive into Ankole Culture with Us! 🌄
In the first part of our journey, we’re soaking in the rich heritage of Ankole at the Rwenjeru Community Campsite. From learning about the iconic Ankole cattle to experiencing the vibrant Golden Jubilee celebrations of our lovely Hosts, it’s a true cultural immersion!

Join us as we explore traditional dances, savor local cuisine, and discover the history and heart of the Ankole people.
Check out my latest blog for all the highlights! 📖👇

https://agiire.com/a-journey-into-ankole-discovering-culture-community-tourism-and-birding-at-biharwe-rwenjeru-campsite/

19/09/2024

Am in love with Birding Photography.
📸🦉🦅🧚🦆🐦🦜🐦‍⬛🪿🦩🦤

These to are both in the Flycatcher Family. I love Flycatchers because they perch quietly, scanning the environment, then fly quickly upward or outward to capture the insect then usually return to the branch or move to a closer branch and perch.
This makes then a darling to photograph.

We had written off all of them to be the African Dusky Flycatcher (Muscicapa adusta) but with photographs which clearly show the difference compared to the Pale Flycatcher (Agricola pallidus). The size especially coz they looked the same in the field!

I Love !

📸 AgriTourism Farm- Biharwe Mbarara.

eBird
Explore Uganda
International Conference for Women Birders
Uganda Women Birders

18/09/2024

Uganda offers one of the most rewarding gorilla tracking experiences in the world, and this is backed by several key facts that make it stand out from other destinations:
1. Home to More Than Half of the World’s Mountain Gorillas
Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, with over 450 individuals residing in the country's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi alone has multiple habituated gorilla groups that are open for tracking, making Uganda a premier destination for those seeking to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
2. More Affordable Gorilla Permits
Compared to other countries, where gorilla tracking permits can cost upwards of $1,500 per person, Uganda offers a more affordable permit at $800 per person (as of 2024). This price difference allows visitors to enjoy an equally, if not more, immersive experience while making the trip more accessible for a wider range of travelers.
3. Diverse Habitats and Rich Biodiversity
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a biodiversity hotspot. Tracking gorillas in Uganda means experiencing the stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity of Bwindi, which is home to over 350 bird species, 200 butterfly species, and numerous other primates. The rich environment adds to the overall experience, making each trek more than just a gorilla encounter but a deep immersion into Uganda’s remarkable natural beauty.
4. Less Crowded and More Intimate Experience
Uganda offers a more intimate and less commercialized gorilla tracking experience compared to other destinations. With fewer tourists per group and multiple starting points for gorilla tracking within Bwindi and Mgahinga, visitors can enjoy a more peaceful and personal encounter with the gorillas, contributing to a deeper connection with the animals and their environment.
5. Opportunity for Longer Treks
In Uganda, visitors can opt for a gorilla habituation experience, where they can spend up to four hours with a gorilla family undergoing habituation. This extended time with the gorillas offers a unique opportunity to observe the primates as they go about their daily lives and learn more about their behaviors in an unhurried, immersive environment.
6. Supporting Conservation and Communities
Uganda’s gorilla tracking experience is deeply tied to conservation efforts. A significant portion of the revenue generated from permits goes directly toward protecting gorilla habitats and supporting local communities. Visitors to Uganda are contributing to sustainable tourism practices that help safeguard gorillas for future generations while improving the livelihoods of local people who live near the parks.
7. Combined Experiences with Other Iconic Wildlife
Uganda’s location in the heart of East Africa makes it a unique destination where visitors can combine gorilla tracking with other wildlife experiences, such as game drives to see the "Big Five" in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. This ability to combine primate experiences with classic safari adventures makes Uganda an unparalleled destination for wildlife enthusiasts