The best time of the day to track the shoebill stork in Mabamba Swamp is during the cooler morning hours of 07:00 am to about 10:00 am. If pressed for choice, the afternoons too can be worthwhile the try. You might not see as much but there is something to see.
Why are the Mornings best for shoebill tracking in Mabamba Swamp?
As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm, which is why many birders go outdoors in the mornings. Birds sleep at night and are hungry in the morning, so they have to go out to find food and are therefore more active during the morning hours.
If you have your heart set on seeing a lot more than just the shoebill stork but also other bird species, you’ll have to accept the fact that birds are most vocal and active when the sun comes up, making them easier to spot and identify during those early hours.
Our guide on what to expect at a particular time of the day
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- Early morning (From the hour before dawn to about 10:00 am): Birds are the most active in the morning right after waking up. Their songs and mating calls have probably woken you up many times before. They also like to hunt as early as possible to get the first pickings – hence the old saying “The early bird gets the worm.”
- Mid-Afternoon: Birds prefer to lay low and relax in the mid-afternoon when the daily temperature reaches its warmest point. You might see them eating at feeders, taking baths, and doing other leisurely activities.
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- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Activity picks up again as the sun goes down. Birds look for their last meals with the remaining daylight, bolster their nests, and make their preparations for the night ahead.
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- After Dark: Most bird species go silent after dark. They stay hidden in the trees, safe from the reach of nocturnal predators. You might see an owl or two, but they’re highly camouflaged and difficult to spot. That’s what makes nighttime birdwatching so rewarding.
So, although early morning is the best time of day for seeing the shoebill and or going birdwatching, you can see different types of species throughout the day.
