The second counting destination is Lake Nakuru, which is an alkaline lake in the Rift Valley. It is also designated as a Ramsar and a world heritage site. The lake has been the home for lesser flamingos for many years. However, this time around there were more pelicans and storks than flamingos. The inflow of fresh water has led to the dilution of the water salinity hence reducing the production of blue algae, which is the main food for the flamingos.

So we counted fewer numbers of flamingos than previous years, and the pelicans and other waders seemed to be doing well in the lake. Here are some images from the census. The flamingos have then shifted to the neighbouring Lake Oloidien.

A map of the lake

Sunset

Campfire

Great White Pelicans

Cape Teals

Yellow-billed Storks

This flamingo was walking with its head tucked under the wings..

With my counting group; Peter, Dennis, Anita, Manon, and Fred

Kenya Wildlife Service Rangers watching out for the buffaloes