These lakes in Kenya
may look enticing-
but they are
no ordinary waters.
Trapped in a world
of volcanic turmoil-
they are contaminated
by sodium carbonate.
The Soda Lakes,
caustic and alkaline-
they are the most
inhospitable waters in Africa.
Looking more like a scene
from another planet-
surprisingly, they are far from lifeless.
Flamingos, with their long
thick skinned legs, can tolerate these waters-
that are so alkaline, it would scour
the flesh off other animals.
Though harsh, the soda rich waters
teem with a unique form of blue-green algae-
which the flamingos siphon
through fine combs in their beaks.
By using the beak upside down
-flamingos avoid wetting their heads
in the bitter water.
It’s a miracle of evolution.