Marievale Nature Reserve sees dry conditions
Although the arid conditions are evident in areas at the Marievale wetland, various birds still inhabit the nature reserve.
No water is evident at the picnic site in front of Flamingo Hide, and the area near Marsh Owl Hide shows dry, cracked mud.
There is still a stream in parts of the reserve where ducks, flamingoes and waders feed. Two fish eagles patrol the area, with flocks of birds taking flight when they are overhead.
Fires spreading from outside are a problem in the reserve. In strong winds, they cross firebreaks and ignite the reeds and dry grasslands, destroying the habitat and killing wildlife.
Andy van Dyk and her youngster recently photographed a reedbuck. It was lucky to survive and not be blinded by the fire, which burnt off its ears and left burn scars around its eyes and mouth.
The lack of water in the reserve is not a new occurrence because the rains usually arrive between September and October. However, the recent unseasonal heat has caused rapid evaporation, resulting in arid conditions.
