Katunguru bridge, connecting Lakes Edward and George on the Kazinga channel, the area below the bridge at Queen Elizabeth National park was a heavily swampy zone, and a stronghold of bird life.
Numerous bird species accorded this papyrus swamp their attention, with inhabitancy flight after flight. To seek sanctuary, countless birds flocked the swamp and nested.
They had no technology, just their ant-like capacity for hard work; their wings, spectacular eye sight and strong beaks.
How many sticks and straws they collected can never be calculated.
By 7 O'clock in the morning, I was already awake and having breakfast at Simba Safari camp. Readying myself for the morning itinerary, which comprised of a birding safari at the birds' renowned habitat in Queen Elizabeth N.P; the Katunguru area.
My group mates and I were psyched...
The ranger came, the others and I took up seats on the tour truck, and drove to the swamp.
Along the Katunguru channel tracks, lots of natural vegetation, of savannah grasslands and indigenous trees graced our views.
The surreal-ness of the area, when we finally got there, took my breath way. The papyrus and shrub dominated wetland housed innumerable birds and added to my human wonder of nature.
These included:
The Gull-billed tern: with a distinctive short, thick gull-like bill, broad wings and long legs. A whitish grey underparts and a black cap; black legs and bill.
The pink-backed Pelican: that had a whitish grey plumage and a pinkish hue on the back, as the name suggested; swallowing a fish.
The papyrus Gonolek: a medium sized bush-shrike with a dull yellow crown; the upper parts, wings, tail and head black, apart from a broad white bar on the wings. A crimson breast and upper belly while the lower belly whitish.
I could only hope it was scouting for insects like the beetles and flies, or snails as it singly lurked among the papyrus.
Many, many more bird species could be sighted.
The Katunguru bridge area was perfect for the birding safari experience;
The day's trail had just started...
Image source: Pinterest
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