What is your favorite bird species?
Grey-crowned Crane
What is your name, and where do you live?
Magada Haily Miriam, Kampala, Uganda
Luther’s Bushshrike
What are the main regions or locations you cover as a bird guide?
Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Southern Tanzania, and Zanzibar
Rwenzori Batis
How long have you been a bird guide?
29 years
Regal Sunbird
How did you get into bird guiding?
- From Curiosity to Calling: My journey into birding began in 1996, a unit in ornithology during my wildlife management course sparked a lifelong passion. Unlike others drawn to mammals, I was fascinated by the vibrant colors and elusive nature of birds, and I embraced the challenge of identifying them.
- From 1997 to 1999, while working in Queen Elizabeth National Park, I immersed myself in community conservation and education, leading students on game drives and boat cruises. These experiences enriched my birding skills and deepened my connection with Uganda’s diverse birdlife.
- Between 2000 and 2006, I worked with a Dutch tour company, guiding over 300 birders of varying expertise. These years refined my skills, broadened my field knowledge, and gave me the confidence to dream bigger.
- In 2007, I founded Go Uganda safari limited, which later changed to Lambano Moments Ltd, trading as Moments Beyond Borders, a family-run company offering bird watching and wildlife holidays. To better serve birding travelers, I launched a dedicated site at www.africabirdingmoments.com
- Today, I continue to share the joy of birding across Uganda and East Africa, helping others connect with nature and discover the beauty of birds, one moment at a time.
Martial Eagle
What are the aspects of being a bird guide that you like best? Which aspects do you dislike most?
Likes: Leading clients in bird identification within their natural habitats, sharing knowledge, and promoting sustainable practices that support both species conservation and habitat protection.
As a bird guide, two key dislikes:
1. Disruption to wildlife and habitat – Guests straying off trails or approaching nesting areas too closely can stress birds and damage delicate ecosystems, which goes against the principles of ethical birding.
2. Lack of focus or patience – Birding requires quiet observation and time. When guests become impatient or distracted, it can hinder the overall experience and reduce the chances of meaningful sightings.
Saddle-billed Stork
What are the top 5-10 birds in your region that are the most interesting for visiting birders?
- Grey-crowned Crane
- Green-breasted Pitta
- Shoebill Stork
- Fox’s Weaver
- Africa Green Broadbill
- Great Blue Turaco
- Rwenzori Batis
- Martial Eagle
- Karamoja Apalis
Shoebill Stork
Can you outline at least one typical birdwatching trip in your area? Please briefly describe the locations, the key birds, and the approximate duration of such a trip
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in your area?
Best season for birding in Uganda: Year-Round Birding. Thanks to its equatorial climate, Uganda offers excellent birding opportunities all year round, with two peak birding seasons during migratory periods. December to February is the dry season and a prime time for birding. Migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are present, and many resident species are nesting, making them more active and visible. June to August is another dry season ideal for birding, especially for spotting Albertine Rift endemics. Trails are more accessible, and bird activity is high due to favorable weather conditions.
For a comfortable and successful birding experience in Uganda, make sure to bring the following essentials:
- Binoculars – A must-have for spotting birds clearly in all habitats.
- Field Guide – A bird guidebook specific to East Africa for quick identification.
- Download the app on your mobile phone: Merlin Bird ID or eBird
- Notebook or Birding Journal – To log sightings and take notes on behavior.
- Neutral-Colored Clothing – Long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection.
- Sturdy Walking Shoes – Comfortable and durable for forest trails and open terrain.
- Hat & Sunglasses – For protection from the sun.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho – Useful for sudden showers, especially in forested regions.
- Insect Repellent – Essential for areas with bugs and biting insects.
- Reusable Water Bottle – To stay hydrated during long walks.
- Backpack – To carry your gear comfortably while in the field.
- Telescope/Spotting Scope – Ideal for long-distance birdwatching, especially in open habitats and high canopies
- Camera with Zoom Lens – For capturing birds and scenery.
Giant Kingfisher
If any readers of 10,000 Birds are interested in birding with you, how can they best contact you?
- www.africabirdingmoments.com
- E-mail info@africabirdingmoments.com
- Mobile: +256700267406
- Instagram: @africabirdingmonents
Hamerkop
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
Why Birding in Uganda is a Must for Every Birder: Uganda is often called the “Pearl of Africa,” and for birders, it’s truly a hidden gem. With over 1,072 recorded bird species, including some of the most sought-after and rare birds on the continent, Uganda offers a rich, rewarding, and diverse birding experience. From misty montane forests to expansive savannahs, wetlands, lakes, and Albertine Rift valleys, Uganda’s varied ecosystems are home to an extraordinary range of birds, many of which are endemic, migratory, or regionally scarce. Whether you’re a casual bird lover or a hardcore twitcher, Uganda offers unforgettable birding moments.
Top Reasons to Go Birding in Uganda
- Incredible Species Diversity: Uganda boasts over 1,072 bird species, accounting for more than 50% of Africa’s bird population, in a country smaller than many US states.
- Home of the Shoebill Stork: One of the most iconic and prehistoric-looking birds, the Shoebill Stork, can reliably be seen in Uganda’s swamps, such as Mabamba Bay.
- Albertine Rift Endemics: Uganda offers a chance to spot over 20 Albertine Rift endemics, especially in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of Africa’s most important birding hotspots.
- Rich Ecosystem Variety: Bird across diverse landscapes—rainforests, savannahs, wetlands, mountains, and lake systems—each offering unique species.
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – A Birding Mecca: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is globally recognized for both mountain gorilla tracking and exceptional birding, with over 350 species, including the African Green Broadbill.
- Accessible and Friendly Local Guides: Uganda is known for its welcoming communities and skilled local birding guides who offer in-depth knowledge and a personalized experience.
- Combine Birding with Wildlife and Culture: Uganda allows you to combine birding with gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, chimp tracking, and cultural interactions for a truly immersive trip.
- Conservation-Focused Tourism: Birding in Uganda often supports community-based tourism and conservation efforts, helping protect habitats and species while empowering local communities.
Long-toed Lapwing
Another great Ugandan guide – I want to return