From: oscar [mailto:oscar@iconnect.co.ke]
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 9:02 AM
To: BIRDLIFE
Subject: Flamingo deaths at Natron
I was just cruising down the West side of lake Natron day before yesterday when my Maasai friend cried - LOOK millions of mushrooms!
I had a look and was smitten with the saddest ache to see thousands of flamingo eggs all along the shore line. The waters have risen so much with the recent rains that they must have been floated off their nests. Almost all had holes in them and there were dead chicks inside.
I doubt if there is anything that can or could or should be done but the flamingo population must definitely be in a more fragile situation now - Natron being one of their main breeding grounds. There were plenty of Flamingo around preening and strutting and playing their marching games.
Attached is a photo that shows the scene If you want it bigger and better I can send a higher quality.