The ancient swamp which many people call Mabamba is known for the tracking of the best shoebill storks in Africa today. The swamp is located on the Northern shores of Lake Victoria and covers a total area in terms of biodiversity of about 16,500 hectares. Hence providing an ideal habitat for the ancient shoebill stork. What makes this bird very much loved by birders from across the international globe is its prehistorical appearance. Its shoe-shaped beak makes it a very unique bird from many other bird species that you will find in the Uganda destination. Mabamba Swamp still stands out as the best area for tracking the magical shoe bill stork. However, this is a migratory bird that travels from one wetland ecosystem to another wetland ecosystem. Other areas where to find this bird in Uganda include Makanaga Wetland, Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary as well as Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda today. In this article, we shall be looking at the biological aspect of the shoebill stork and the experience of tracking the shoebill.
The biological Nature of the shoebill stork in Uganda
The shoebill stork scientifically classified as Balaeniceps rex is one of the unique and mysterious species of birds. These are endemic to swamps and wetland biome in East Africa. Distinctive for its fairly odd appearance, the shoebill’s most characteristic feature is a huge beak which resembles a shoe. Although this bill can be up to 24 centimeters, it is not just a decoration but a weapon to capture the prey. Diet is a major issue of concern and a major key to the shoebill’s success as a predator. Though a fish eater and more specifically a lungfish eater, this large bird also feeds on amphibians, reptiles, and even small mammals.
An interesting feature of shoebill stork is its hunting style which may sound a little strange to some. What makes the shoebill bird different from many birds is that it hunts by staking, contrary to the fast and quick birds. It spends a lot of time very still while hoping to find the right chance to attack. The management of the attacking angles is especially beneficial in the bird’s swamp environment where relatively immobile or sedentary prey is abundant. Finally, when the shoebill attacks, it attacks with immense vigor and accuracy, seizes, and then tears the prey with the help of its big bill.
The physical features of shoebill stork
The following are some of the physical features of the shoebill stork. With regards to the body size and weight, the shoebill is one of the largest birds. It can be as big as 150 cm tall and up to 260 cm wide when its wings are spread. This truly imposing bird’s body is mainly slate grey, giving it a masterful blend in the water-logged regions of its habitat the swamp region. The bird has large eyes that are painted blue or gray keeping it looking somewhat prehistoric and fierce. In appearance and size, this bird is a giant among the herons. With a bill that can reach a meter in length, the shoebill is not very loud. Though it is equipped with a tremendous bill, it signals and interacts with other birds through bill clattering and deep-pitched growling.
Concerning reproduction, shoebills are known to breed only once a year and they nest solo. They construct big nests on floating plants or small islands that are surrounded by water in the swamp. These nests which are built mostly from reeds and other plants are quite large well-built nests that offer a sound base for the eggs and then later, the chicks. The shoebill is an oviparous bird that lays one to three eggs. However, in most situations, only one of the chicks is capable of leaving the nest because of competitors in the nest and other unfavorable conditions.
However, the general welfare of the shoebill stork is at risk due to other forces that continue to exploit the shoebill’s wetland habitats for agriculture, fishing, and destruction of habitats. However, the shoebill is also desired for the black market thus straining its population too. Despite the attraction of the hyacinth macaw, this attractive bird should be protected by all possible means as the species is endangered. Conserving wetlands, compliance with anti-poaching laws, and creating awareness of the poor state of the shoebill are the measures that need to be implemented to avoid the extinction of the species.
The Experience of Tracking Shoebill in Mabamba Swamp
Almost all tourists like the idea of tracking the shoebill stork that resides in Uganda. Tracking this stork is among the interesting wildlife adventures. This makes the traveler encounter the trickiest and most elusive bird in the whole world.
This adventure is normally effected in the early morning as this is the most active time of the day for the shoebill. Short sightseeing tours are with the help of guides who are locals possessing deep insight into the wetlands, papyrus swamps, and the edge of slow water in a location such as Mabamba Swamp or Murchison Falls National Park. It is usually done in a small boat since one wishes to avoid scaring the bird and get closer to it. This buildup of expectation was done because the shoebill is a rather unique-looking bird with a long, large shoe-shaped beak and looks almost pre-historic.
However, the shoebill being relatively small in the papyrus, most of the time it is invisible in the reeds making each sighting an added plus. There is the shoebill stork, standing still on one leg waiting for fish to come to a float. Every hunt is a magnificent reward for the effort that has been put in. This is accompanied by the beautiful Ugandan wetlands where one can also find other birds, crocodiles, and hippos to complete the beautiful coloration of the main bonus. It also exhibits the characteristics and some of the recommendations on the ways of living, kinds and the requiring circumstances of the shoebill stalks, and the importance of protecting the areas.
The experience is not now only observing a beautiful bird but one of the most special and rare birds in the world in its natural habitat. As the tour comes to an end and the satisfaction of having completed this great tour, everyone is left with the desire to see this beautiful bird in the wild.