Chook Guides of the World: Jacques Habimana, Rwanda


What’s your favourite chook species?

My favourite chook species is the Nice Blue Turaco.

What’s your title, and the place do you reside?

My title is HABIMANA Jacques, from Rwanda.

What are the principle areas or places you cowl as a chook information?

I’m primarily based in Nyungwe Nationwide Park and am a chook information there and at Akagera Nationwide Park, Lake Kivu, Rugezi Swamp, and Kigali.

How lengthy have you ever been a chook information?

I’ve been guiding for 3 years.

How did you get into chook guiding?

I realized about birds from my father, from my childhood.

Pink-throated Alethe

What are the features of being a chook information that you just like greatest?

  • Connecting with Nature: There’s a deep satisfaction in observing and sharing data about birds of their pure habitats.
  • Instructional Impression: Serving to others find out about chook species, their behaviors, and ecosystems will be very fulfilling.
  • Numerous Experiences: Every single day will be totally different, with new chook sightings and various environments, making the job dynamic and fascinating.
  • Neighborhood Engagement: Constructing relationships with fellow chook fanatics and contributing to conservation efforts is rewarding.

Which features do you dislike most?

  • Climate Challenges: Inclement climate could make chook watching and guiding much less fulfilling and tougher.
  • Bodily Calls for: Lengthy hours of strolling or climbing in varied circumstances will be bodily taxing.
  • Unpredictability: Birds don’t all the time observe a predictable sample, which will be irritating when attempting to indicate particular species to purchasers.
  • Coping with Inexperienced or Disruptive Purchasers: Generally, managing purchasers who’re much less skilled or disruptive will be difficult.

General, the position combines the enjoyment of nature with the occasional difficulties of working outdoor and managing various consumer wants.

What are the highest 5-10 birds in your area that you just assume are probably the most fascinating for visiting birders?

  • Nice Blue Turaco
  • Regal Sunbird
  • Rwenzori Apalis
  • Abyssinian Floor Thrush
  • Good-looking Spurfowl
  • Black-throated Apalis
  • Archer’s Robin-Chat 
  • Doherty’s Bushshrike 
  • Rwenzori Turaco
  • Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye
  • Rwenzori Batis

Are you able to define a minimum of one typical birdwatching journey in your space? Please briefly describe the places, the important thing birds, and the approximate period of such a visit

One of the best place to do birdwatching in my space is Nyungwe Nationwide Park, particularly the Igishigishigi path. It’s a path of 2km that takes 1.5 hours for a spherical journey. It’s dwelling to Albertine rift endemics reminiscent of Grauer’s Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Albertine Boubou, Many-colored Bushshrike, Rwenzori Batis, Good-looking Spurfowl, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Mountain Buzzard, and so forth. 

For international birders who haven’t been to Rwanda, I like to recommend doing any of the next:

  • 5-day tour in Nyungwe Nationwide Park for Luhdher’s Bushshrike, Albertine Boubou, Kungwe Apalis, Blue Malkhoha, …
  • 3-day tour in Kigali wetlands for Hammerkop, Little Egret, Southern Pink Bishop, Black crake, …
  • 4 days at Akagera Nationwide Park for Helmeted Guineafowl, Marabou Stork, Knob-billed Duck, …
  • 2 days at Volcanoes Nationwide Park for Pink-tufted Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, …
  • 1 day at Gishwati-Mukura Nationwide Park for Nice Blue Turaco, Chestnut-throated Apalis,. .. 
  • And Lake Kivu shore for African Fish Eagle, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Hadada Ibis, Squacco Heron, … 

African Golden-breasted Bunting

What different options are you able to give to birders fascinated by your space?

For birders fascinated by birding right here in Nyungwe Nationwide Park, in addition to in Rwanda typically; listed below are some basic options:

  • Birdwatching will be executed all yr spherical. You’ll be able to select a month relying in your goal record of birds
  • Finest Time to Go to: early morning and late night.
  • Native Laws and Permits: Verify should you want any permits or if there are particular rules for birding within the space.
  • Guided Excursions and Native Consultants: Contemplate becoming a member of a neighborhood birding group or hiring a information for the most effective expertise and insights into the realm.
  • Habitat Varieties:  some birds choose wetlands, forests, grasslands, low elevation, or excessive elevation.
  • Climate Circumstances: we have now 2 predominant seasons: the wet season and the dry season. Any time we might even see sudden climate adjustments.
  •  Respect Wildlife: At all times preserve a respectful distance from birds and their nests, and observe moral birding practices.

Black-tailed Oriole

What to Convey:

  • Binoculars: Important for recognizing and figuring out birds. A pair with 8×42 magnification is often beneficial.
  • Area Information: A regional chook subject information or a birding app may also help with identification.
  • Pocket book and Pen: To file sightings and observations.
  • Digicam: For capturing pictures, should you’re into images.
  • Acceptable Clothes: Costume in layers and put on impartial colours to mix into the atmosphere.
  • Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Relying on the season and placement.
  • Water and Snacks: Staying hydrated and energized is vital, particularly on longer outings.

If any reader of 10,000 Birds is fascinated by birding with you, how can they greatest contact you?

  • Telephone(WhatsApp quantity): +250780654591
  • Instagram: hajas_jacques
  • Fb: HaJas Jacques 
  • E-mail: hajasjacques@gmail.com 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *