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Birdwatching at Pirang Shrimp Farm & Bonto Forest
Pirang Shrimp Farm and the nearby Bonto Forest make a productive pairing on the south bank of the River Gambia, inland from the coastal resorts. In one visit you can scan open ponds and creek edges for waterbirds, then step into shaded forest for a completely different set of species.
The shallow ponds of the shrimp farm attract waders, terns, herons and birds of prey, while Bonto’s tall trees and thick undergrowth shelter forest birds that are rarely seen in open country.
Join experienced local guide **Lamin Jobaate** for a guided visit. Lamin knows which ponds hold birds on the day and where to listen for forest species in Bonto.
Habitat
The Pirang and Bonto area includes:
- Shallow shrimp-farm ponds and bunds
- Mudflats and creek margins
- Mangrove edges
- Tall gallery forest with dense undergrowth
- Farmland and village-edge woodland
The contrast between open water and closed forest makes this one of the most varied short visits in the western Gambia.
Birds to Look For
Possible highlights include:
- **Black-winged Stilt**
- **Kittlitz’s Plover**
- **Collared Pratincole**
- **Caspian Tern**
- **Western Reef Heron**
- **Osprey**
- **Green Turaco**
- **Western Bluebill**
- **Yellow-breasted Apalis**
- **African Pygmy Kingfisher**
Water levels in the ponds change through the season, and forest birds can be shy. Sightings of particular species cannot be guaranteed.
What a Guided Visit Is Like
A visit usually starts at the shrimp-farm ponds, scanning from the bunds for waders and terns while the light is good. The group then moves to Bonto Forest, walking slowly along shaded paths and listening for calls.
Pirang and Bonto fit well into a day on the South Bank route, together with Killy photography hide and Kampanti Raptor Bridge, or as part of a day around Farasutu and Faraba Banta.
Photography at Pirang & Bonto
The ponds give open views and clean backgrounds, while the forest is darker and more challenging.
Useful tips include:
- Use a long lens for waders and terns on the ponds.
- Keep a low profile on the bunds so birds are not flushed.
- Raise the ISO in the forest rather than using a slow shutter speed.
- Watch forest edges and fruiting trees for birds coming into the open.
- Let Lamin position the group with the sun behind you at the ponds.
Best Time to Visit
Pirang and Bonto are most rewarding during the dry season from November to April, when migrant waders are present and paths are easy to walk.
Early morning is best for both forest activity and soft light on the ponds. Late afternoon can also be productive at the water.
Combine Pirang & Bonto with Other Birding Locations
A Pirang and Bonto visit can be combined with:
- [Farasuto Forest](https://www.westafricanbirding.com/best-birding-locations-in-the-gambia/farasuto-forest)
- [Faraba Banta Bush Track](https://www.westafricanbirding.com/best-birding-locations-in-the-gambia/faraba-banta-bush-track)
- [Madinaba](https://www.westafricanbirding.com/best-birding-locations-in-the-gambia/madinaba)
- [Killy Photography Hide](https://www.westafricanbirding.com/best-birding-locations-in-the-gambia/killy-photography-hide)
- [Kampanti Raptor Bridge](https://www.westafricanbirding.com/best-birding-locations-in-the-gambia/kampanti-raptor-bridge)
Explore Pirang & Bonto with Lamin
Whether you want to work through a busy wader flock or search the forest shade for turacos and bluebills, Pirang Shrimp Farm and Bonto Forest add real variety to a Gambian birdwatching itinerary.