It looks like a mirage, I know – not helped by aging photo/collapsing scanner syndrome. But even when I was taking it, it was hard to believe I was there. This despite some very particular sensations that still lurk in my memory – the sting of soda in nose and eyes (Elmenteita is one of the Great Rift’s soda lakes) plus the pungent whiff of flamingo guano, and under foot, the slimy droppings-rich mud along the shore. There was also the noise – the continuous honking of the birds as they jostled among rich algal pickings.
On one of my dawn visits to the lake shore, I bumped into Paul Kabochi. Or rather he bumped into me. He had driven a Japanese bird enthusiast down to the lake to take photos.
Paul Kabochi wildlife expert and ethnobotanist 1942-2003
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As I said in an earlier post: “Paul Githinji Kabochi was a man I am lucky to have met, and I mourn his tragic loss in what was, for him, the strangest of accidents. He was a true path-finder, and not only for the likes of me, a traveller, wanting to experience the African bush with someone who knew it intimately, but also for august naturalists such as David Attenborough. Paul had been one of the expert guides during the making of The Life of Mammals, and his special knowledge was often called upon by the BBC’s outpost in Nairobi.”
Tish Farrell 
Despite its aging this is a fabulous photograph, and you would never know from its beauty that flamingoes create so much mess and their call is also unattractive! I would love to see them in a setting like this.
Thank you, Becky, Glad you liked this 🙂
It has aged fabulously. Because it still is a great photo
Thank you, Mak.
Love the photo of Paul. In his posture and in his attire, he looks like a person entirely comfortable in his environment.
He certainly was! Wasn’t above pointing out to his employers the errors of their thinking – and on many matters.
Wonderful!
It is still a magical photo. And obviously brings back many memories for you – not all good it seems! I hate stinky, slimy bird poo – Canada Geese make such a mess by the sides of a pond or lake.
Canada geese, very mucky birds!
That must have been an amazing sight to witness.
Yes, it truly was 🙂
laughing at this: aging photo/collapsing scanner syndrome
and then after seeing the nice bird photo and reading your words about the setting – quite the contrast
and RIP to PK
Thank you, Yvette. I lured you with the flamingo shot 🙂 🙂
sure did….
and PK’s light pink pants are pretty cool too –
A sad ending for him, Tish. I love your edited flamingos though 🙂 🙂
Wow! What an amazing sight to see!
Love this!
You’re a bit quiet?
been on our hols in Derbyshire. Just back. Thanks for noticing I wasn’t here 🙂 🙂
Asante sana for the post. 🙂
(I can close my eyes and remember it all…)
Aaah! Happy remembering 🙂