A crisis looms here in the Cape as drought grips the city of Cape Town and the surrounds. It is interesting to see these scenes at Olifantsbos beach where a gaggle of Egyptian geese and baboons hang out together, drawn to a fresh water spring very close to the edge of the tidal line.
Nature on the Edge 
Lovely photos. Glad to see them sharing the resources. Is it very bad there then? Winter rains hopefully on the way.
Yes, things are dire – the dams levels are 30% and less. +/- 90 days supply left to COCT. The city engineers are talking about tapping into the Cape Flats aquifer.
Yikes! I wish I could send you some of ours – raining cats and dogs here again!
I would never had expected fresh water that close to the seashore!
Yes, isn’t that surprising. The stream running above ground has dried up; these clever baboons dug into the sand to create depressions so that the spring water would pool.
Always something fascinating to learn in the great outdoors!
It is good to see the natural sharing of scarce resources – somethings humans need to learn to do and quickly!
Wise words, Anne. Curbing water usage hasn’t been that effective, and now COCT is warning that it will start daily rationing.
Great photos Liz and a touching sight. A relief that the springs are still flowing even after the intense heat and high winds. Hoping for rain …
Thanks Carol, yes all holding thumbs for early rain. The wind has been so insane – gusting up to 106 km/h on the day the Argus cycle race had to be cancelled.
A! Nice photos, specialy 2nd last one.
Almost into building sandcastles!
It’s been a tough summer for the wildlife, but hopefully it won’t be too long before winter sets in and replenishes the parched earth … thank you, as always, for the wonderful images, Liz.
Yes holding thumbs that the rains come early. The fire affected areas need to repair and worried that there will be run off and soil erosion. Babs are battling in those areas.
That scene at Olifants was quite extraordinary as the various baboons came along and some dug out the sand so that the fresh water would pool. Clever creatures.
One day, when I am retired, I will come back to your blog for inspiration for stories. Your images always stir something in me. The last 2 in this series beg for narrative fiction. You are the mistress of inspiration!
🙂 glowing now with the compliment! Hope the inspiration fires your talent. You’ll have to come and visit for first hand experience.
I’d love to visit! Another retirement plan.
🙂
I just love that next to the last shot – ‘just a day at the beach with the kids’ 🙂
Isn’t is a classic! It was a perfect day too – so tranquil and the troop was well spread out along the shore. Intriguingly they dug into the sand to create little depressions so that the fresh water would pool. Clever creatures.
What different surroundings you and I have, from one Cape to the other. Baboons, Egyptian geese and drought – what an experience to see them sharing the same water source. When does winter set in? Thanks for sharing.
Hi Erica, hope your Cape is warming up? So true, the contrast in terrain and climate between our “Capes”. Now the “Cape Doctor” an endearing term for the Southeasterlie winds have they been galeforce of late. That’s one common factor our geography of peninsulas share.
Winter comes in late May and we’re anxiously awaiting it’s cooling effect bringing in much needed rainfall.
How’s your artwork and gallery coming along?
What an interesting term, “Cape Doctor”. So you know the history behind the expession? We have gale force winds today as well, but subzero temps 🙂
As for artwork, I’m working with sea glass and plastic bottle caps that I’ve collected from the beaches. Same concept as the shoe project, but completely different expressions. It’s exciting! Have a great day! Enjoy the winds.
Toll !!(*L*)!!
How tragic that while we are unable to curb our consumption, the baboons and geese are making do with and sharing what little is left to them.
Yes it’s a sad state and add to the mix population growth, stretched resources and climate change. The drought worsens by the day, and no sight of rain.
Great photos!
Thanks Michaela, glad you liked the scenes.