From the Forest to the Roadside
After observing the African Dwarf Kingfisher, we continued birding along a roadside just outside Budongo Forest Reserve. At first glance, it looked like an ordinary road, but according to our guide, it is actually one of the most productive birding locations in Uganda.
Surprisingly Active Even Late in the Morning
True to his words, birds kept appearing one after another, even after 11 a.m.. This was particularly impressive, as bird activity often slows down by late morning. The sheer variety of species made it clear why this unassuming roadside has such a strong reputation among local bird guides.
A Stunning Encounter with a Green Cuckoo
The highlight for me was African Emerald Cockoo. Its rich, vivid green plumage was absolutely breathtaking. I was genuinely moved by the color — in nearly ten years of birding, this was the first time I had encountered a wild bird with such an intense and beautiful shade of green.
Despite being such a beautifully colored bird, field guides describe it as common and widespread across a broad range.
Seeing a bird like this in perfect natural light was one of those moments that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Photography Challenges at This Site
Despite the excellent bird activity, this location is photographically challenging. Most birds appear very high in the canopy, and the dense network of branches makes clean shots difficult.
An 800mm lens was not enough in this situation. If photography is your goal, using a teleconverter is highly recommended to increase reach and improve your chances of capturing usable images.
Final Thoughts
This roadside birding spot proved that in Uganda, exceptional birding can sometimes be found in the most ordinary-looking places — provided you know where to look and have the right local knowledge.