Birding - Tanzania Birding

Really easy ways to get children birding

Children are naturally curious. Why not take advantage of this and introduce them to a healthy pastime?

Birdwatching is inspiring and refreshing. It connects us to a place and gets us outside in our yards and neighbourhoods to explore. So how do you get started and how do you make this hobby interesting for children? Take a look at some tips and games that your children can play to get them birding.

How to Bird

Prompt children with the knowledge that birds are not easy to see, and sometimes adults struggle too. But if you listen quietly and carefully, you can hear them. Help them by telling them to close their eyes and listen, and then to point to the area the call is coming from.

Where to go

This is one hobby where you don’t need to go far. You can see birds on the street, in your yard, in parks and in conservation areas. But having water or a dam in an area means it will attract birds. You may see herons, ducks, egrets and if you are lucky, swans.

What to look for

Not having much luck finding birds? Look for telltale signs that birds leave behind. Try finding nests, the remainder of cracked seeds or bird poop.

Which binoculars to use

Binoculars take some getting used to, and it can be difficult for children. Kids also find spotting through scopes challenging. Why not teach them to focus on staying still and looking for movement of birds or other animals? Or for fun and to get them into the habit, why not make a pair of DIY cardboard binoculars?

Games

How do you get a child interested in something? Make it a game! Here are some ways that will help them get into birding.

Scavenger hunt

Get them interested in a goal – try to see as many different birds as possible. For many children, counting up from zero to a number eg. ten, will be enough to keep them focused and enjoy learning.

Help children be more observant. Make a list of birds you would like to see before heading out. Use general categories like hawks, doves, sunbirds or even small animals in groups below four.

Leader

Encourage children’s independence. Let them pick an area on a map (that has a green patch) close to you to visit. When you arrive, let your child select which trail to take and guide you, telling you which things or places they want to study along the way.

Binocular spy

If your child is able to make use of binoculars, teach them to use them properly by asking them to read signs at different distances. Start closer to you and continue to move further away until they are able to hold the barrels steady and turn the focus wheel steady while operating.

Once they have this in their skills, play ‘I Spy’ to help them find smaller objects.

Sound off

Most children can easily tell you what a dog or a chicken sounds like, but what about a guineafowl? Get your child to imitate the bird sounds they hear and then use a field guide app to pull up the bird and play back clips to listen to and identify. Then get them to voice their own translation of the songs and calls.

Now that you have the actionable steps to getting your birding skills on point, plan and book ahead for a tour. You can contact us on tours@tanzaniabirding.com.

Source: Audubon

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The Twitchers Guide to Vocabulary 101

Birders’ vocabulary often sounds confusing to people who don’t share the same passion. For example, did you know that someone who travels a long distance to view a particular bird, is referred to as a ‘Twitcher’? Generally, this is translated as an avid bird watcher.

If you are new to birding, we decided it would be good to list some of the vocabulary regularly used to help you. Some words may differ from area to area due to cultural and dialect differences.

Birding Vocabulary

B

Big Day: a birding event in which a birder or team of birders tries to see as many species of birds as possible within a calendar day.
Big Year: a birding event in which a birder tries to see as many species of birds as possible within a defined area (county, state, ABA area, etc.) within a calendar year; originated with the American Birding Association, and the basis for the movie The Big Year.
To burn up or flog: to beat around in the undergrowth hoping to flush a bird. A desperate measure and not a kind way to treat an exhausted migrant.
BVD: “Better View Desired”, describing a lifer that was observed well enough to identify, but not enjoy.

C

CBC: Christmas Bird Count is a census of birds undertaken in the Western Hemisphere.
CFW (Eastern North America): An abbreviation that stands for “Confusing Fall Warbler” (During fall migration and through mid spring, most members of Parulidae found in the Eastern US and Canada tend to be in nonbreeding plumage, and therefore have relatively few distinctive markings or patterns).
Chooks (Australia): already seen or common birds.
Crippler (UK): a rare and spectacular bird that shows brilliantly, perhaps an allusion towards its preventing people from moving on.
Crush (verb, U.S.): to get very high-quality photos of a bird, often referred to as a banger. See hammer.

D

Dip (or dip out): to miss seeing a bird which you were looking for.
Dude: “a bird-watcher who doesn’t really know all that much about birds.” A novice birdwatcher; slightly pejorative term. Also used to refer to someone who primarily seeks out birds for photography rather than study.

E

Empid (US): any of the flycatchers of the genus Empidonax, infamous among North American birders for being difficult to identify in the field without the aid of vocalizations.

F

Fallout: a natural occurrence where migratory birds are forced down by adverse weather in a way that makes them congregate in large numbers; generally associated with meteorological and geographical conditions (exclusively in spring, generally in the United States along the Texas and Florida coasts of the Gulf of Mexico).
First: a first record of a species (in a defined area, such as a county first).

G

Grip (or grip off) (UK): to see a bird which another birder missed and to tell them you’ve seen it.

H

Hammer (US): to get high-quality photos of a bird.

J/G

Jizz or giss: the overall impression given by the general shape, movement, behaviour, etc., of a species rather than any particular feature. Experienced birders can often identify species, even with only fleeting or distant views, on jizz alone.

L

LBJ (or little brown job. UK): drab songbirds that are difficult to differentiate and identify.
”LC” (noun; local U.S., San Francisco Bay Area): the action of reporting vagrants suspiciously often, generally without photos or audio. As in: “Did you see that LC of an Ancient Murrelet? They couldn’t make it more obvious that they didn’t actually see a murrelet, but were instead just trying to increase their Sonoma County list.”
Lifer: a first-ever sighting of a bird species by an observer; an addition to one’s life list.
List:
- Noun: a list of all species seen by a particular observer (often qualified, e.g. life list, county list, year list, etc.). Keen twitchers may keep several lists, and some listers compete to amass longer lists than their rivals.
- Verb: to keep or compile a bird list (a lister is someone who is intensely focused on keeping and growing lists, and can be used negatively).

M

m.ob. or mob or MOB: an abbreviation that stands for “many observers,” often used as a collective noun.
Mega or megatick or meguh: a very rare bird.

N

Nemesis (or nemesis bird): a bird that has eluded a birder despite multiple attempts to see it.

P

Patagonia Picnic Table Effect (or Patagonia Roadside Rest Effect) (US): the phenomenon that occurs when one bird draws many birders to a remote area, who then find more rarities and other interesting species in that same location. Named after an actual roadside rest area just west of Patagonia, Arizona.
Patch (or local patch): a birding location or set of birding locations near one’s home that a birder visits frequently.
Pelagic (noun): a boat trip designed for birders to find open-ocean (pelagic) species, such as albatrosses.
Pish (US): an emphatic shushing or hissing noise used by North American birders to elicit mobbing behaviour; made in imitation of alarm calls of chickadees and titmice.
Peep (US): a collective term for the five smallest North American Calidris sandpipers: least sandpiper, semipalmated sandpiper, Western sandpiper, white-rumped sandpiper, and Baird’s sandpiper.
Plastic (UK): an adjective used to indicate a bird which has escaped from captivity, rather than a genuinely wild bird.

S

Sibe (US): a bird from Siberia (usually applied to rare migrants).
Siesta time (also the doldrums) (US): the period in mid-afternoon when birds (and therefore birders) are least active.
Slash: a cryptic species pair (on a day list), e.g. long-billed dowitcher/short-billed dowitcher, willow flycatcher/alder flycatcher.
SOB: “Spouse of Birder”, a non-birder spouse.
Spark bird: a species that triggers a lifelong obsession with birding.
Spuh: birds that are only identifiable to genus level (on a day list) (from “sp.”, abbreviated form of species).
String (see LC):
- Noun: a dubious, “ropy” record.
- Adjective: Stringy.
- Verb: to claim such a record.
  - Note: the term stringer usually denotes people who intentionally mislead and falsify bird sightings, as opposed to well-intentioned mistakes made from lack of field experience.

T

Tick: an addition to a personal list (sometimes qualified as year tick, county tick, etc.). Life tick and lifer are synonymous. a tart’s tick is a relatively common species added to one’s list later than might be expected. An armchair tick is an addition without leaving one’s home, typically as a result of a taxonomic change.
To pull an Easterla (California): to find a ridiculously rare vagrant in a place with no vagrant potential whatsoever. As in: “A first state record of Yellow-browed Warbler in Alpine County? How did a Sibe end up 160 miles inland alongside a mountain stream?! And how was it even found?!?”
Twitch: the act of travelling a long distance to see a rare bird. Synonymous with chase.

V

Vagrant: a stray far from the normal ecological range.

W

Warbler Neck (US): a painful crick in the neck from looking at birds high in the treetops. Named after the New World warblers, which are often found in the tops of trees.

Y

Yank (UK): a bird from North America (usually applied to vagrants seen in Europe).

Z

Zootie (US, uncommon): a locally rare or unusual bird.

We hope that having this vocabulary list will help you feel more confident in your birding outings.

If you want to find out more about birding tours, you can email us on tours@tanzaniabirding.com or take a look at our top tours for this year where you can practise your birding vocabulary.

Source: Wikipedia

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What are the large endemic birds of Tanzania?

March 24, 2020
Temple Admin
Birding, Blog, General

Can you identify the large endemic birds that make Tanzania their home? We are helping you out by putting together a list. Why not see how many you know?

Large endemic ground birds

Ostrich

These large birds hatch from a soccer ball-sized egg. The male of this endemic species is black and white, and the female a scruffy grey-brown colour. Ostriches can run up to 70 km/h, covering up to 5 m in a single stride.

Secretary Bird

This 1,5 m tall raptor is seen in the grasslands and is mostly terrestrial. It is thought its name derives from the European trend that secretaries had of tucking a quill pen behind their ear.

Ground Hornbill

This is one of the most striking birds that looks like a black turkey, with white underwings, red wattled throat and eyes, and long, fluttering eyelashes. They also have a walk that resembles a waddle.

Guineafowl

This endemic helmeted bird is quite common and is known for its panicky behaviour and call. It is a white speckled grey bird with a blue head and ivory casque.

Kori Bustard

This is the world’s heaviest flying bird and makes the grassland its habitat. It has brown wings with a speckled belly, prominent backward crest and a laborious gait.

Francolin

There are two endemic species of francolin in Tanzania. The grey breasted francolin of the Serengeti and the Udzungwa forest partridge. They are usually seen hunting for food on the ground or at the base of trees and low down in the shrubs.

Large waterbirds

Pelicans

The larder billed great white pelican is a large bird that is white with black underwings and a large yellow throat pouch. This is used for catching prey and draining water from the scooped-up contents before swallowing.

Flamingoes

The algae sifting flamingoes are one of East Africa’s most popular birding attractions. There are an estimated 5 – 6 million present here. They eat shrimps, algae, crustaceans and the pigments in their food (called carotenoids) are responsible for the red and pink colours of their feathers.

Herons & Egrets

Although most species are water dependant, the black-backed heron often looks for food in the grasslands and the cattle egret flocks around buffalo herds to catch insects.

Storks

Tanzania has 8 stork species of which three are migrant, notably the familiar Eurasian variety. These birds are unable to sing.

Crowned Crane

This bird has grey feathering capped by a bristly gold crown and a red neck wattle. They frequent marsh and rank grasslands. Unlike other cranes, they usually roost in trees.

Endemic Birds of prey

Verreaux’s Eagle

This is Africa’s second-largest raptor. It has black feathering offset by the yellow beak and legs with a distinctive white ‘V’ on its back. It measures 75 to 96 cm (30 to 38 in) long from the bill to the tip of the tail, making it the sixth-longest eagle in the world.

Fish Eagle

One of the most distinctive African sounds is the piercing cry of a Fish Eagle. This fish feeding bird has a chestnut belly and yellow beak with black and white plumage.

Bateleur

This heavyset black eagle is both a hunter and a scavenger. It preys on birds and reptiles and can fly for as much as eight hours at a time searching for live food or carrion.

Augur Buzzard

The augur buzzard is a fairly large African bird of prey. With the exception of the tail, the rest of the body is slate-grey with white specks and an orange tail.

Vultures

These scavengers form the very important role of nature’s garbage cleaners. Due to them feasting on rotten meat, vultures have strong immune systems so they don’t get sick. Their heads and necks are almost bare of feathers so they can stay clean while feasting on a carcass.

Black Kite

The black kite is a medium-sized bird of prey and is Tanzania’s most common raptor. It is a bold scavenger and is regularly seen in urban areas. These birds prey on lizards, small mammals and insects, especially grasshoppers. Both live and dead (carrion) prey is eaten.

Owls

Tanzania has 15 species of Owls, which range from a thrush sized African Scops Owl to the huge Verreaux’s Eagle Owl. The local population believe that these birds are the harbinger of death.

Hornbills

These birds inhabit a multitude of areas, from desert to jungle, and are recognised for their heavy decurved (and sometimes colourful) bills.

If you want to find out more about what birding tours we offer, take a look at our birding tours for 2020 in Tanzania, or email us on tours@tanzaniabirding.com.

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6 Things you can do to attract birds to your Garden

March 10, 2020
Temple Admin
Birding, Blog

You can’t necessarily be out on birding safaris all the time, so instead, why not create a little haven for our feathered friends and attract them to your garden. Create your own garden birding safari.

How to attract birds for your Garden Safari

Provide a water source

This is the simplest way to ensure that birds visit your garden. Set up a birdbath, it doesn’t have to be fancy (it can be from old pot plant containers, an old shallow tub or even plates). It needs to be shallow enough for the birds to be able to take a dip in comfort and in a place near cover so the birds can hide if they are startled by humans or cats. Place a flat stone or some kind of step to provide them with an easy way to get in and out of the bath.

Don’t forget to clean the bath regularly so that you do not attract mosquitos.

Plant fruit-bearing trees and flowering shrubs

Providing birds with free food is a good way for them to feel at home in your garden. By free food, we mean fruits and nectars produced by fruit-bearing trees and flowering plants that provide nectar. To ensure familiarity, plant indigenous plants in your garden.

Please note that feeding wild birds human food is strongly discouraged. This may increase their dependence on your garden but it exposes them to cats, dogs and food that their bodies are not made to cope with. It is best to plant native trees and plants that provide fruit and nectar as well as protection and places to rest. Not to mention, it will provide a beautiful garden for you as well as a shady spot to enjoy.

Leave leaf litter to rot

Aside from plants, birds also enjoy eating wriggly worms, slugs, snails and ants. By leaving your leaf litter to rot or setting up a compost heap at the side of your yard, you create a veritable feast for your birdlife.

Place dead wood in the garden

Some birds like to check dead wood or logs to see if there are any delicious morsels underneath to eat. You can also lean a rotting log against the side of a tree so that it also provides shade.

Provide temporary shelter

Give our feathered friends a place to rest and take cover (if they feel the need) by setting up a bird box made from natural materials in your back yard.

Let the sunlight in

Make sure there is enough sunlight entering your garden. Sunlight will highlight the variety of trees and plants in your garden, making it more inviting to birds.

Birds are our most overlooked neighbours. If you establish a space for them in your garden or take a look while you are walking outdoors in nature, each of them has their own unique traits.

If you want to find out more about birding tours in 2020, take a look at our birding tours for 2020 in Tanzania, or email us on tours@tanzaniabirding.com.

Source: Haribon

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When is the best time to view birds?

There is hardly ever a bad time to view birds. But that being said, there are optimal times when your viewing will definitely be of higher quality.

In a busy world with limited time to enjoy the finer things in life, how do you find the right time to get the best viewing?

We provide you with a few quick tips to increase your viewing quality.

Best time of day to view birds

Birds, like humans, have patterns that they carry out their activities like feeding, roosting and other habits. Learning those patterns can help you get the best viewing in the time you have.

Feeding

Birds spend most of their time trying to find food for themselves or to feed their hatchlings or mate. One of the most active feeding times is early in the morning when the sun rises and warms up insects. This makes it easier for insect-eating birds to forage. At the same time, other species are also recovering after a long night. The late evening has a similar pattern for feeding birds so they can store energy for the night.

Sunning

Birds that enjoy sunning themselves are often easy to find in the mid-afternoon when the sun is at its best strength. Birds use the sun for temperature regulation and feather mite control, so this is a very opportune time to view birds in any season.

Singing

Birding by ear is much simpler when the birds are singing. During the spring and summer, birds are working hard to establish their territories and attract mates. They do this by often singing in the early morning (although some do sing at night) when it is still and sounds carry further. Birders who are in the field early morning are more likely to take advantage of the sounds birds make to find and identify different species.

Drinking

Birds will drink at any time of day but are more likely to visit birdbaths and other water sources when the sun is at its hottest. Likely drinking times, particularly at garden bird baths, are the same times the birds are feeding; when they will take advantage of the water while simultaneously eating.

Familiarising yourself with the basics of bird behaviour is an easy way to learn when to go birding. It will provide lots of opportunities to view a variety of bird behaviours with different species of birds.

If you want to find out more about birding tours in 2020, take a look at our birding tours for 2020 in Tanzania. Or email us on tours@tanzaniabirding.com.

Source: Thespruce

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5 Global Trends that affect Birding right now

January 31, 2020
Temple Admin
Birding, Blog

The world is experiencing trends of increasing environmental destruction and global warming phenomenon. Whether you believe in global warming or not, it is clear that the weather patterns seem to be a bit off-kilter and are having an effect across the globe.

On the African continent, the trends of climate change have been a factor as long as we can remember, which has fuelled the creativity of clever individuals who have found new inventions and solutions as they have tried to improve life. It has also had an effect on the birds, insects, plants, reptiles and mammals on this continent and we have seen nature diversify in amazing ways.

So how are these trends all affecting birding worldwide now?

Global trends affecting birdlife

Industrial Farming

Did you know that 74% of threatened birds are affected due to farmlands increasing? Not only is habitat being destroyed, but pesticides also affect the birdlife and can cause poor health in the birds. Fortunately, farming has taken an eco-conscious approach where wildlife and plant life are being carried out in a compatible and sustainable way, which is also meaning that farmers can get a premium price for these crops while supporting the environment.

Logging

There is a high percentage of birdlife in forests, which means logging creates a big problem for birds. With segments of their habitat being removed, the birds have less place to live and are unable to fly between remaining fragments. Logging is driven by global demand for timber, paper and land on which to grow commodity crops and biofuels. There are agencies that promote the planting of trees and run projects to empower the local community to monitor and manage their own forests.

Invasive Species

Invasive species can have a detrimental effect on birdlife. Did you know that over the last half-century, interlopers such as rats and mice have been responsible for more than 70% of bird extinctions? Birds in remote areas like islands are particularly susceptible to this because they have had very few natural predators. Keeping these invasive species in check is vital in ensuring that the native bird species can continue existing.

Hunting and Trapping

Illegal hunting and trapping can decimate a species in a short space of time. This has been particularly experienced by exotic species which have been illegally sold internationally. One of the ways to change this is to change the law, or make the penalties steeper for the people who are captured. There are agencies that are working to prevent illegal hunting in countries and some in fact use drones to monitor illegal bird trapping.

Climate change

Nearly a quarter of bird species have been adversely affected by climate change. The breeding and migratory patterns are changing which means that often food supply does not match demand because insects are hatching at different times to migrations.

There is no doubt that the contribution of different environmental change factors will become more obvious as more examples are studied. But it seems that intervention in planning and adapting from the human race is the only way to reverse these trends to once again help birdlife to re-establish itself.

If you want to find out more about our birding tours, you can visit our website or contact us on tours@tanzaniabirding.com.

Sources: Fitzpatrick UCT, Birdlife.

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5 Reasons why Natural Birding is big in 2020

January 8, 2020
Temple Admin
Birding, General

Birding has increased in popularity with those who are passionate about connecting with the natural world. In the last few years, this community has grown with the introduction of more technology to keep watch on bird populations and keep track of changes.

The whole world in fact is becoming more aware of the natural world with what we can do to preserve our planet and how we can take care of its wild inhabitants.

This is one of the reasons why birding is growing consistently. It encourages people to connect with nature and be more aware of what is around us and how our actions affect the natural world.

Why is Birding Big in 2020?

#1 Birds are nature’s clean up crew – Typically vultures have been associated with death. They are so effective at their clean up job, that they will be hovering within an hour of death. These, along with other small mammals, will clean up a carcass quickly and effectively, minimising the chance of disease being spread.

#2 Birds control pests – Did you know that birds eat 400 – 500 million tons of insects a year? Their diets include worms, crickets, spiders and all manner of crawlies. They have high metabolisms and need to eat a lot of food to keep going. Birds, therefore, help keep the balance in nature, as invertebrates could be particularly devastating in large numbers if allowed to go unchecked.

#3 Birds pollinate plants – Birds make a big contribution to the natural world by being pollinators of plants. We naturally think of bees and butterflies, but hummingbirds and honeyeaters add to this extensively. To quote Birdlife “In South Africa, for instance, nearly a quarter of Salvia species are bird-pollinated. Such flowers are lacking in scent, since birds favour sight over smell. Their role as pollinators benefits us directly – around 5% of the plant’s humans use for food or medicine are pollinated by birds.” In instances where birds have gone extinct, it has resulted in numbers of species of flowers being eradicated too.

#4 Birds transform landscapes – There are ecosystems all over the world that hang on a fine balance. Birds are key to helping keep these ecosystems alive and well. These ecosystems that provide carbon, oxygen and convert pollutants into nutrients have a fine balance of prey to predator and plants to herbivore which is helped by the existence and functioning of birds. A sign of good birdlife is usually a sign of a healthy ecosystem.

#5 Birds spread seed – Birds help shape the plant life that exists around us. They consume seeds and travel to another location where it is dispersed in their droppings and grows. When birds probe flowers for nectar, some of it is rubbed off on their heads and wings and this is also dispersed when they move off and is transferred to other flowers.

If you look at these factors, it makes you realise how effective birds are at keeping their side of the natural world working well. However, according to the State of World Birds global report, it is said that “There are now 1,469 bird species globally threatened with extinction – One out of every eight bird species worldwide, according to the report. “

Perhaps it is time to take up birdwatching in the natural surroundings around you.

Why not book one of our exciting tours in 2020 on our website or contact us on tours@tanzaniabirding.com.

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A Birding 101 Infographic: How to get started

December 12, 2019
Temple Admin
Birding, Blog

It seems there are a lot of people around the world addicted to birding. What is this activity and how can you begin birding? Tanzania Birding has done some sleuthing to bring you our basic ‘How To’ guide.

Take a look at our handy Infographic to help you get started.

How to get started

Here are some handy step-by-step tips on getting started with your birdwatching journey:

Prepare yourself for birdwatching

Do some research
Wear dark or neutral colours
Learn the Lingo
Get good binoculars
Get a reputable field guide
Create a birdwatching pack (all the goodies that you need while you are out on your trip).

Going out

Choose a location
Walk quietly and slowly
Select an area to settle down and get comfortable.

Identifying birds

Observe the bird
Notice distinguishing features
Make a list of birds you see
Keep birdwatching regularly.

Now that you have the actionable steps to getting your birding skills on point, come and book a tour with us. You can find our newest tours online and if you have any questions, please contact us on tours@tanzaniabirding.com.

Source: Wikihow

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How to find your top Tanzania birding tours for 2020

The end of 2019 is approaching at the rate of knots with very little birding planning time left this year. It seems that 2020, along with the golden rays of opportunity, are floating tantalizingly close. So in an effort to thwart the stress of needing a holiday from your holiday early next year, we decided to present you with some tours that could bring you a welcome reprieve from the busyness of a new year.

Booking a tour can be stressful. But once you are on the tour, you realise that it was worth the minor inconvenience of checking and rechecking documents and luggage as you leave home and drive to the airport, before you get on the plane.

Some handy tips to help make sure you are covered on your birding tour can be found in our blog articles on Endemic bird species in Tanzania and Technology and Gear to get your excited about birding.

Top Tanzania Tours

Tanzania is our home and speciality destination. Tanzania Birding offers a range of safari tours to help you have a great birding trip. They range in length and activity, and can also include photography and big game tours. This makes it easy to fit your adventure in with your schedule, hobbies and budget.

7 Days Northern Tanzania – 7 days birding express

Birding, wildlife and photography. A 7-day private tour. Depart from anywhere. Your size and your style. Includes Arusha area Endemics, Tarangire NP and a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater and Ngorongoro Highlands. This tour is available year-round.

7 Days North-Eastern Tanzania – Birding on Borrowed Time

7 Days private birding tour with wildlife and photography. Depart from anywhere with your size and style group. Includes Arusha area Endemics, Mkomazi Dry Country Specials and West Usambara Endemics. Can be taken all year round.

Tanzania Birding and Cultural experience – 12-day experience

The featured destinations are Arusha Maasai Steppes, Masai Cultures, Lake Manyara and Village cultural Walks, Ngorongoro Highlands Hike, Hadzabe Traditional hunters and gatherers tribesmen, Datoga Black Smith smelters, Lake Eyasi, Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge Museum and the Serengeti Plains. The tour includes cultural, birding and photographic opportunities and can be taken all year round, except for April and May.

Tanzania Birding the North – 12-day tour

This tour visits Serengeti, Ndutu region, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Arusha and Tarangire National Parks, and includes Wildebeest migration and calving, the Big Five, and Birding and Photographic opportunities. This tour is available year-round at your pace, with your size party.

Tanzania Birding the South – 14-day tour

The featured areas of this tour are Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi, East Udzungwas, Ruaha National Parks, Kilombero Flood Plains and Miombo woodlands Birding. The tour is available all year except – Mid April to Mid May. The tour is a birding safari with lots of wildlife and photography opportunities.

Tanzania Birding in Luxury – 14-day slow pace birding, photography and big game safari

This tour visits Ndarakwai Private Ranch, Serengeti, Ndutu region, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Parks with Big Five, slow pace Birding and Photographic opportunities. Take this tour any time of year with your size party.

Best of Northern Tanzania Birding and Big Game Photographic safari – 14 days

This 14-day tour can be taken at leisure with the best of photographic opportunities, visiting Arusha National Park, Lake Victoria, Central Serengeti, and Tarangire Park, to name a few. This tour is available all year round.

East and Southern Tanzania Birding – 18-day tour

This is a fixed departure tour which leaves each year on:

14 – 31 March

14 – 31 July

02 – 19 December.

This tour visits Arusha, Mkomazi NP, South Pare Mountains, West and East Usambaras, Amani Nature Reserve, Mikumi NP, East Udzungwas, Ruaha National Parks, Kilombero Flood Plains and Miombo woodlands Birding, and Ruaha NP with birding, Big Game and Cats Photographic Opportunities.

Lake Victoria to the East Coast – 21-day tour

This is a fixed departure tour which leaves each year on:

07 – 27 January

04 – 24 May

October 20 – 18 November

The tour features Lake Victoria, Serengeti, Ndutu region, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Arusha, Lark Plains, Mkomazi NP, West and East Usambaras, and Pemba Island Endemics and Beach, taking in plenty of birding, game and photographic opportunities.

The Grand Tanzania Anniversary route – 31-day tour

This grand tour takes in Lake Victoria, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Arusha, Lark Plains, Mkomazi NP, West and East Usambaras and Pemba Island Endemics and Beach, Mikumi NP, Udzungwas, Kilombero Flood Plains, Miombo Woodlands, and Ruaha National Park, with incredible birding, photographic and Big 5 opportunities. The tour is customised to the group and its style.

To book your exciting 2020 birding safari, get in touch with us at https://www.tanzaniabirding.com/contactus.html.

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Tips for memorable photographs on your birding safari

December 10, 2019
Temple Admin
Birding, Birding in Tanzania, Blog, Tanzania

Going on safari is a feast for photographs. It usually conjures up images of golden light at dusk with sunset hanging in the air as all manner of creatures finish off the day around a watering hole and greet the coming night.

This may be a little exaggerated, but the truth of the tale is that your safari is remembered in the best light, with the perfect images of birds playing through the slideshow in your brain has put together. Then you reach for your photographs and wonder what went wrong.

We decided to put some points together to help you make the most of your photographs on your birding safari.

Bird Knowledge

Your bird knowledge can really help you here. Having the right equipment to be photographing the birds is important, but knowing what their behaviour is and where to find them, will help a great deal. If your bird knowledge is good and your guide’s knowledge is extensive, this will help you get the kind of photo you are looking for, eg. as a bird bursts into flight, where the bird is likely to be at different times of the day and how it will interact with the environment around it.

Camera

Having access to a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera is essential for the ease of use with multiple modes for different circumstances and being able to view your shots. Both Canon and Nikon make a range of these cameras to suit most budgets, but Sony and Olympus also have introduced reasonable models too. There are two big factors affecting your decision: the ISO rating (the sensor’s sensitivity to low light) and your shutter frame rate (how many frames per second can be captured).

Focusing

Your camera will allow you to choose between a couple of modes for focusing:

One-Shot AF – one-shot captured when the focus is locked
Continuous / AI Servo AF – when the shutter is half-pressed you will continue to capture shots as long as you track the subject.

Due to birds being creatures that move around considerably, the latter is more likely to be useful in photographing your feathered friends.

Eye Level

If you are able to, shoot at eye level. It changes the focus quite dramatically and means that the foreground and background can be blurred while your subject is in focus.

Wind Direction

Birds rely on wind direction for flight. They will try to fly into the wind because this gives them the lift they need to keep steady. Raptors especially rely on the wind to lift their heavier frames on the thermals.

If you wish to capture the birds flying head-on, it is a good idea to position yourself upwind of the bird.

Use support

Bean bags, monopods and tripods are all great forms of support to use if you are using larger lenses to capture your bird. They come in handy during different situations.

Monopods can be a great help in keeping you steady when you may need to move around or have restricted space. Beanbags are superb for hides and vehicles to ensure a steady shot. When shooting long exposure or low light shots, tripods will provide the stability you need for a crystal clear shot.

Remote Triggers

These are super handy if you have skittish birds to photograph. You are able to place the camera in the necessary position and retreat to a quiet spot so that the birds can settle in.

With a bit of luck, from your hidden area, you will be able to get some close-up shots without frightening the birds off.

The most important tip of all is that you need to be comfortable and familiar with your equipment. Spend some time practising before you head off on safari to make sure that you come back with incredible photos to match your memories.

If you want to book an African Bird Safari, look at the exciting packages we offer and get in touch with us for your safari experience on tours@tanzaniabirding.com.

Sources:

Africa Geographic, Go 2 Africa.

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