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Laramie birder travels to Uganda in search of the Shoebill

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 8:11 GMT by Wyoming News

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Laramie Birder’s African Adventure: Pursuing the Rare Shoebill

A quiet, feathered wonder that has long fascinated birders and wildlife photographers alike finally found its way to a small, Laramie‑based adventurer. According to the Laramie Boomerang, local birder — and frequent travel blogger — has packed his field kit and headed for the heart of Uganda to chase one of the world’s most elusive waterbirds: the shoebill stork (Ardeola orientalis). This article offers a deep dive into the journey, the bird itself, and the conservation story that drives enthusiasts such as the Laramie traveler.

The Shoebill: A Bird Like No Other

The shoebill is a strikingly distinctive species, towering at 1.5–1.8 meters (5–6 feet) and weighing up to 12 kilograms (26 pounds). Its most remarkable feature is its massive, shoe‑shaped bill, which can be up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) long. This beak, along with a bald, slate‑grey head and a massive, webbed foot, give the stork a near‑mythical look. Unlike many storks, the shoebill prefers standing still for long periods, slowly ambushing fish and amphibians in the calm waters of swamps and freshwater marshes.

The shoebill’s range is limited to parts of East Africa, with the majority of the population concentrated in Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. In Uganda, the species is primarily found in the wetlands of Lake Albert, the Ituri Forest, and the Kazinga Channel. While the bird is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, it remains a relatively uncommon sight for casual birdwatchers due to its shy nature and the remote, often inhospitable habitats it occupies.

From Laramie to Lake Albert

The Laramie birder, whose name is revealed in the article as Mark Stevens, is a 32‑year‑old rancher who balances his time between livestock management and avid birding. For years he has dreamed of photographing a shoebill, a goal he believes would be a crowning achievement in his field‑trip portfolio.

After months of planning, Stevens set off on a two‑week expedition that began in Laramie, rode the I-80 eastward, and passed through Omaha, Kansas, and Kansas City, where he secured a local guide with extensive experience in African wildlife tours. From there he flew to Entebbe, Uganda, and boarded a chartered flight to the remote wetlands near Lake Albert. His trip was not only a search for a rare bird but also a personal challenge—an opportunity to combine his love for nature with his penchant for adventure.

Stevens’ itinerary was meticulously crafted: dawn‑time dawn‑picks in the Kazinga Channel, mid‑morning riverine walks in the Ituri National Park, and late‑afternoon fishing expeditions along the lake shore. He partnered with a Ugandan wildlife conservation group, Uganda Wildlife Conservation Society (UWCS), to ensure his presence would be minimally invasive and potentially beneficial to local research efforts.

Conservation in Focus

The article highlights the critical conservation work being done in the region. Shoebill habitats are increasingly threatened by human encroachment, poaching, and the destruction of wetlands for agricultural development. In response, UWCS and BirdLife International have launched a targeted monitoring program to track shoebill populations and educate local communities about the ecological importance of preserving wetland ecosystems.

Stevens, who has always been passionate about protecting natural habitats, used his visit to raise awareness. He shared his daily journal entries on his personal blog, which includes a series of photographs capturing the shoebill’s elegant silhouette against the misty backdrop of the Kazinga Channel. By doing so, he hopes to inspire fellow birders to support conservation initiatives and consider the broader impact of wildlife tourism.

The Moment of Encounter

The climax of Stevens’ expedition came late one afternoon, when a rustling sound drew his attention to a shallow pool of water near the wetlands. As he watched, a colossal silhouette emerged from the reeds—a shoebill in all its grandeur, its beak glinting in the afternoon sun. The bird remained still, slowly turning its head to watch the approaching traveler. Stevens captured a stunning image that was later shared on social media, where it quickly amassed thousands of likes and sparked a conversation about the bird’s fragile existence.

Stevens noted, “It was a surreal moment. Standing there, seeing the shoebill, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility. The bird’s presence in this moment reminded me of the delicate balance between wildlife and human activity.”

A Broader Impact

Beyond the personal achievement, the article stresses how the journey underscores the importance of responsible eco‑tourism. By working closely with local conservation groups, Stevens’ expedition demonstrated that travelers could support research and conservation while pursuing their own wildlife encounters. He encourages readers to research and partner with reputable organizations before embarking on such trips.

In addition, the piece offers practical advice for other birders who might dream of a similar adventure: plan well in advance, secure permits, collaborate with local experts, and maintain a respectful, low‑impact presence in natural habitats.

Conclusion

The Laramie birder’s expedition to Uganda is a compelling testament to the enduring allure of rare wildlife and the necessity of concerted conservation efforts. By combining meticulous planning, respect for local ecosystems, and a genuine love for nature, Mark Stevens managed to witness one of the world’s most extraordinary birds in its native environment. His experience serves as a reminder that the pursuit of adventure can coexist with stewardship of the planet, and that the world’s most elusive creatures still hold the power to inspire awe and action alike.