More Showers and More to Come
Category: Uncategorized | Date: Nov 19 2008 | By: okavangocarnivores
I was been aware from camp for four days and my arrival was confronted by amazing report from one of my collegues. Astonishing! over 70mm recorded over a period of three days during my absence!. Since then, the atmosphere has been masked with grey heavy clouds with occasional drops at night and sometimes daytime. Following the astonishing showers, tremendous and fascinating changes has been observed.
a)
b)
Pictures (Above): Three weeks ago this waterhole (picture a)) was completely dry, with no sign of life. Birds (geeses ,ducks,stocks etc) which have been concentrated towards the north can now be seen around the locality of our research camp(picture (b)).
As a result of the first great showers, pans and water holes are now filled rain water, attracting a variety of birds and mammals species. Signs of wildlife movement directed to the south, away from Okavango delta fan, is now evident. . Before then, inorder to have more excting game viewing, one would prefer going towards the river and closer to the permanent swamps. But, now we see all kinds of birds which were not seen in the area few weeks ago. With emerging variety of insects,and amphibians, birds (eagles, stocks, kites, etc) flourish and survey the sky more often, than they normally do. Most eyes (of birds) are glued to the ground in search for insects and flies that has encroached the earth surface. These happy birds, are often seen either crawling and spreadout on the ground slowly gliding in the sky or seating patiently on tree branches.
Pictures (above): Colourful flowers start to emerge.
Rain is approaching
Category: Miscellaneous | Date: Nov 12 2008 | By: okavangocarnivores
This week marked the first feeling of the sensational moments of rainfall. Our long anticipation for rain has come to an end, after working and getting soaked in sweat in extremely hot temperatures. On monday morning, 9 mm of was recorded at our camp (also known as Wild Dog camp). Although, it was just a small overnight shower, the difference was apparent. In spite of the fact that continuous rainfall can negatively influence our field work, it stirs to life many species that require a moist environment and the new growth associated with it including the many amphibians, insects, reptiles and plants. In the previous rainy season, 700mm was recorded (from October to end of March). The average rainfall in the area is 500mm. This marks the end of dry season and the beginning of the rainy season. Rain has a huge influence in the distribution and movement of wildlife in the area and it will once again be very interesting to follow movement patterns associated with a shift in the season.
After the first drops, the sky has been decorated by patches of clouds with minor thunder storms and lightning vaguely seen at a distance. Everyday, I wake up in the morning, give a glance around, anticipating for one thing only - rain. “Is it coming?” I often ask myself. “Well, hopefully” answers one of my research colleagues whilst sipping hot coffee.
Picture above: Soon, these leaveless dead looking trees would be turned green
Picture above:The dusty ground, will soon get a shape
Picture above: This is a recent land scape picture of historic floodplain in front of the camp. Acacia trees (the green tree line- normally bloom during september). Notice the goldish colour of the dry grass.
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