Can an Alarm Clock Be a Symbol of Love?

Most guests at Edirisa on Lake Bunyonyi wake up grinning, blinking at the sunlight and thinking, “Oi, what is that racket?” It’s not your alarm. It’s a cheeky dawn chorus, courtesy of the Cinnamon-chested bee-eaters. These feathered show-offs have taken up residence in the eucalyptus forest around Bunyonyi, and they’re not exactly shy about it. Locals call them Omuryanjooki, which sounds way more mysterious than “that noisy little bird nicking bees”.

Speaking of bees, these colourful troublemakers are partial to a stingy snack. Bee-keepers aren’t exactly fans, since the birds happily munch their way through bees, wasps, hornets, …, basically anything that flies and buzzes. It’s like a buffet with wings.

But despite their snacking habits, bee-eaters have a bit of a romantic reputation. They stick with one partner (awww) per mating season, so folks around here see them as symbols of love and loyalty. And honestly, you’d struggle to tell who’s who in a couple — they look that alike. Though if you squint, the males are just a smidge bigger. Both sport that lush cinnamon chest, vivid green feathers and a flash of blue that would make any parrot jealous.

Now, if you’re into birding (or even just pretending to be), you’ll love them. They’re not fussed by humans at all and often settle right near villages. Rather unusually, they skip tree nests altogether and dig themselves a neat little tunnel in the ground. The female lays 4 to 6 round white eggs in her underground lair, and 20 days later, pop, tiny troublemakers hatch!

These bee-eaters are part of the Meropidae family and adore a bit of open woodland. One on its own is fairly quiet, but stick a bunch together and you’ve got yourself a sweet little symphony of chirps, squeaks and gossip. So don’t be surprised if your morning coffee comes with a soundtrack. At Edirisa, the birds are always first up, and they’ve got plenty to say.

photos by Serene Pleasure