| The Marabou stork was definitely out of place. No | | | | lesser flamingos. Both are gregarious forming big |
| one could miss this gigantic strange-looking bird | | | | crowds all over the lake. Only the keen eye will |
| with its crop hanging down the neck. This only | | | | notice the small differences in plumage color and |
| added to the beauty of this natural reserve, Lake | | | | bill, but your guide will definitely show you what to |
| Nakuru. | | | | look for. |
| Lake Nakuru national park is located in the Rift | | | | During courtship, a group of up to 10 individuals |
| Valley and is a small, shallow, alkaline-saline lake | | | | hold their heads and neck high and call to one |
| located in a closed basin without outlets. This | | | | another. Then they move the head side to side. |
| creates avery | | | | Over the next several minutes, the rhythm |
| Alkaline environment in this basin and its waters. | | | | increases and other members join in the frenzy |
| The alkaline water and warm environment | | | | which can reach up to 50 individuals. It is one of |
| provides perfect growing grounds for the | | | | the magnificent displays that no one needs to be |
| blue-green algae that flamingos feed on. | | | | a birder to enjoy. They then march forward for a |
| Lake Nakuru is one of the most famous tourist | | | | few meters and back, open their wings and bow |
| destinations in Kenya due to its spectacular wildlife | | | | in salute. This show will be repeated about 6 |
| sight, a paradise to all especially ornithologists. It | | | | times. At the end of it, pairs will stand side by |
| was declared a national park in 1961 and it now | | | | side in a 'kiss' position, their beaks touching. |
| covers an area of 200 km2. It is a home to | | | | A flamingo's nest is a mound of mud about one |
| several species of wildlife in addition to the millions | | | | foot high (12 inches). The mound's purpose is to |
| of flamingos and hundreds of bird species. | | | | protect the egg from being washed away by the |
| Flamingos are the main attraction of this lake and | | | | gentle currents of the lake especially in windy and |
| their brilliant pink extend as far as the eye can | | | | hot days |
| see. | | | | The female lays a single egg and both partners |
| Standing at 40 inches, they have long legs that | | | | take turn to incubate for the next 28-30 days. |
| enable them to wader and feed in the warm | | | | After incubation period, the new gray chicks are |
| muddy waters of the lake. | | | | welcomed to this world and stays in the nest for |
| Their main diet is the blue green-algae (Spirulina | | | | the first 10 to 12 days. The chick has pink bill and |
| plantensis) that grow in the alkaline waters with | | | | legs but within a few days, up to a week they |
| pH concentration of between 10.4-10.5. With the | | | | turn black. All the parents know their offspring by |
| deep-keeled bill they filter the top waters for the | | | | voice and feeds them with a blood-red secretion |
| algae and other fine particles. Their pinkish or | | | | formed by glands in the upper digestive tract. |
| reddish color comes from the rich sources of | | | | After the chicks leave nests, they stay together |
| carotenoid pigments in the algae and small | | | | in crèches. They are however able to fly and |
| crustaceans that they eat. Their long legs and | | | | swim from an early age. It is interesting to note |
| neck are especially noticeable as they are longer | | | | that flamingoes have few enemies as the |
| than in any other bird to relation to the body size. | | | | conditions that they in are usually inhospitable for |
| However, even though flamingos can withstand | | | | the predators and large birds of prey. In Lake |
| pH levels as high as 10.5, they do need to wash in | | | | Nakuru however I have had a few occasions that |
| clean water in order to rinse the soda off. The | | | | hyenas have been able to prey on them. |
| soda can dry and form clumps on their feathers | | | | During flight they follow each other closely, using a |
| and hold them from flying. Same case goes for | | | | variety of formations that help them take |
| drinking water. | | | | advantage of the wind patterns and maintain their |
| Lake Nakuru is a haven for both greater and | | | | bonds of togetherness. |