Elvin, Daniel, me and Jin, a girl from school who works for the Red Cross and hopes that by learning French she will be assigned to a location in Africa – so noble, all went to the Mediterranean Sea today. Montpellier is very close to the Mediterranean Sea. It was only a ten-minute tram ride. It was on my list because my mom loved it so in her recordings. There is a large population of flamingoes who call this delta home and some flocks also stop on their way to Africa. It was quite a sight to see. I had trouble getting a picture of them from a moving tram. So, I took a pic of a poster of some flying on a wall. Much better than what I could do!
The driver told us that last year there were 850 new flamingo babies. The parents only lay one egg, it is all quite delicate. This year there was a film crew that got too close and many parents became afraid and abandoned their eggs. Once they leave, they don’t go back. Also, a predatory owl, not native to this region, has invaded and was attacking the eggs. The result is only 300 babies were born this year. They are trying to figure out what to do. So sad for this majestic bird.
We had a great lunch and some fun on the seashore before heading back. It was a bit cool with clouds in and out that day, but that was okay. I was standing looking at the Mediterranean Sea and thinking of Mom. How she loved adventure and here I am having an amazing one of my own. She would have been delighted!
Best, Pam.
Me having fun climbing in this statue at the end of a jetty.
Standing on the seashore.
My picture of some flamingoes.
The poster so much cooler than what I could capture.