Bird Watching in Buso Forest
Bird Watching in Buso Forest: If you’re a nature enthusiast and love birdwatching, you will be thrilled to know that the forest hosts over 120 bird species, making it a delightful destination for bird lovers. Uganda’s Buso Forest is situated approximately 5 kilometres off the Kampala-Luwero highway, which translates to about a 1.5-hour drive from Kampala. A serene and biodiverse forest that serves as a tranquil picnic spot, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature. Eco Tours: It’s an ideal location for eco-tours where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and observe the local wildlife. Tropical Environmental Foundation (TEFO): The Buso Forest was established in 1995 by TEFO on 30 acres of land. It was initiated by passionate individuals, who shared a love for nature. By 1999, the forest had already boasted an impressive array of species, including tree species; over 127 tree species call it home, 11 species of amphibians, butterflies; there are over 40 butterflies fluttering about.
Characteristics of the Buso Forest Habitat:
Trees: The defining feature of Buso Forest is the presence of trees. These towering giants dominate the forest, providing shelter, food, and ecological significance. They form the canopy, creating a shaded environment below.
Understory Plants: Beneath the tree canopy, you’ll find a diverse community of shrubs, herbaceous plants, and mosses. These understory plants play a crucial role by offering food and shelter to various birds, insects, and animals.
Sunlight: The amount of sunlight reaching the forest floor varies. In dense canopies, direct sunlight is limited, while more open areas allow greater sun exposure. Understory plants adapt to thrive in these varying light conditions.
Soil Type: The type of soil depends on the forest’s location. Buso Forest, with its high precipitation, likely has nutrient-rich soils that support plant growth.
Moisture: Moisture levels also vary. Forests in wetter regions tend to have more fertile soils, while those in drier areas have less moisture.
Types of forests
Coniferous Forests (Taiga): These are found in the northern hemisphere and are characterised by cone-bearing trees like pines, firs, and spruces. They always thrive in low-precipitation regions, with low temperatures.
Buso Forest is home to an impressive population of bird species! As you explore, keep an eye out for feathered residents like the Grey Headed Negrofinch, Lizard Buzzard, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, and the majestic Great Blue Turaco. And that’s just the beginning—there are many more avian wonders awaiting your discovery!
Here are just a few of the feathered resident species you might encounter during bird watching trip in Buso Forest:
Grey-headed Negrofinch
Lizard Buzzard
Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird
Whistling Cisticola
Klaas’s Cuckoo
White-chinned Prinia
Tamborine Dove
Senegal Coucal
Purple-banded Sunbird
Marsh Tchagra
Bronze Manikin
Gross Beak Weaver
Eastern Grey Plantain Eater
Olive Bellied Sunbird
Pygmy Kingfisher
Little Green Bull
Toro Olive Greenbull
Angolla Swallow
Yellow White Eye
Brown Illadopsis
Great Blue Turaco
Green Hylia
Splendid Glossy Starling
Crowned Hornbill
Red Bellied Paradise Flycatcher
Black and White Casqued Hornbill
Cameron Sombre Greenbull
White Spotted Flufftail
Hadada Ibis
Common Bulbul
African Emerald Cuckoo
Red Billed Fire Finch
Honey Guide Greenbull
Green Headed Sunbird
Olive Sunbird
Western Nicator
White Throated Bee-eater
Yellow Spotted Barbet
Yellowbill
Brown Eared Woodpecker
White Throated Greenbull
Superb Sunbird
Green Backed Camaroptera
Brown Throated Wattle Eye
Yellow Throated Tinkerbird
Yellow Billed Barbet
Chestnut Wattle Eye
Little Olive Sunbird
Slender Billed Greenbull
Violleit’s Black Weaver
African Thrush
Woodland Kingfisher
Black Headed Heron
Blue Spotted Wood Dove
Pin-Tailed Whydah
Yellow Throated Longclaw
Grey Crowned Crane
Yellow Mantled Widowbird
Ross’s Turaco
African Paradise Flycatcher
And many more!
Remember, the fascinating habitat of Buso Forest isn’t just a habitat; it’s a sanctuary where nature thrives and whispers its secrets, which promises an unforgettable experience for both nature and bird lovers.