Helmet Vanga - Madagascar 2024

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Tuesday, 12 July 2016

Uganda - Day 2 18/6/16

Mabamba Swamp & surrounds
Today was one of those that could make or break a trip. The mighty Shoebill was one of the top targets of the trip, and thankfully we obtained outstanding views for up to an hour. On the way to the swamp Paul received a call stating a Shoebill had been found and we swiftly made our way to the 'boats'. The way out was tense as we meandered our way through the swamp, but soon we were less then 30m away from the prehistoric beast and we were lucky enough to watch it hunt and then fly off, all after a 45 minute vigil of just admiring.  Whilst there a Papyrus Gonolek showed superbly, another one of those must see species. 
Afterwards we went around the swamp, then once on land the heavens opened, which made for a bird less afternoon on the way back to our hotel. A trip of Ross's Turacos got us invited into a police compound as the birds were only viewable from inside. An area by the hotel was birded up until dusk where little was seen. Despite the weather, a truly memorable day. 

Klass's Cuckoo
Sooty Chat
Grey Kestrel
Viellot's Black Weaver 
Northern Brown-throated Weaver
African Jacana
SHOEBILL - 1
Papyrus Gonolek - 1
Double-toothed Barbet
Blue-headed Coucal 
Black-headed Gonolek
Malachite Kingfisher
Long-toed Lapwing
Fan-tailed Widowbird
Mosque Swallow
Grey-rumped Swallow
Superb Sunbird
Marico Sunbird

Ross's Turaco
Meyer's Parrot
Lizard Buzzard
Red-cheeked Cordon Bleu
Bronze Mannikin







 Shoebill - views like this would be difficult to beat
 Malachite Kingfisher
 Long-toed Lapwing
Papyrus Gonolek
 the main road to the dock

 Mabamba Swamp - we heard a Lesser Jacana in this area but frustratingly didn't pursue it 
 our vehicle for the three weeks
mucking about