Lamin Rice Fields and Abuko Reserve
Lamin Rice Fields
Our second full day started with a continental breakfast at seven and at trip away from the Lodge. Our first stop was a visit to the Lamin Rice Fields. An area of cultivated small plots that in the wet season presumable become paddy fields. Despite the activities of the locals tending their crops around the site the area held a wide range of species, all easily seen and very approachable.
After spending a couple of hours walking along the narrow paths that divided the plots. We had added a number of new species to our growing list. Including African Spoonbill, Great and Cattle Egrets, Green and Wood Sandpiper as well as a Common Ringed Plover.
A number of raptors also seemed to make this area their home including Hooded Vultures, Black and Yellow-billed Kites and a very photogenic Lizard Buzzard perched in a tree. Once back to the bus we took the short trip across the road to the famous Abuko Nature Reserve – an area of mature evergreen forest.
Abuko Nature Reserve
With the temperature rising and most of the birds sheltering from the heat we decided to walk to the famous crocodile pool in the hopes that it would attract some wildlife. We were not disappointed as there were a couple of West African Crocodiles and an African Mud Turtle in the forest pool overlooked by the tower hide. The star of the show was African darter hunting, coming up with fish several times before resting on a nearby branch to dry out its plumage.
After a time as the temperature climbed and the thought of lunch came to prominence in our minds we walked back to the entrance. Although we still took time to have a closer look at the flora that made up the forest and a huge active termite mound. The next stop was a short drive to the restaurant alongside the Atlantic Ocean and lunch
Calypso Restaurant.
The Calypso restaurant was a great spot to take a delicious lunch. There was eventually good food although it was definitely cooked and delivered on Gambian time. However there was the advantage of a fresh water pool together with Crocodiles, right by the tables. This attracted a number of new birds including both a Grey-headed and Audouin’s Gull and many Bee-eaters.
Plus a number of terns. sweeping over the pool to scoop a drink as they passed. The highlight however was a black heron “Umbrella Bird’ putting on its very unique hunting display. After a couple of hours at the pool we headed to Kotu Bridge. Although there was a high tide we did spot Broad-billed Roller, Malachite Kingfisher and Whimbrel, before returning for our evening meal.
