THE KALAHARI DESERT

The Kalahari Desert is the largest expanse of sand on the planet. At its center lies a remarkable wonder, the Okavango Delta. Each year, during the driest season, distant rainfall fills the veins of the delta once again, transforming the land into a wildlife paradise like none on Earth. The great flood is the heartbeat of this land, rejuvenating the barren sands and bringing the promise of renewal. The dry season is a time of struggle for the animals, with flocks of hungry quillia scouring the floodplains for food. The cheetah, with its speed and agility, is the ideal hunter in this environment. However, even the cheetah's cubs are dependent on their mother for food. The leopard, on the other hand, is the most cunning of cats, waiting patiently for the perfect opportunity to strike. The flood brings new life to the land, with billions of gallons of water transforming the vast savannah into a swamp. The elephant and hippopotamus are the architects of this new world, managing vegetation and directing the flow of water. The delicate balance of life in the swamp is maintained by creatures like the Lily Trotter, who must protect their floating nests from invaders like the elephant. The Okavango Delta is a remarkable wonder, a testament to the power of nature to transform even the harshest environments into a paradise.The first chick of the subject in question makes a somewhat awkward entrance. Housekeeping is of utmost importance to hide any evidence of the new young one. The subject removes the shell from the nest, breaks it up, and sinks it to ensure the safety of the first chick. It may take two more days before the others hatch.

The subject is now a devoted father to two chicks, keeping a watchful eye on them as they find their footing in this watery world. Obstacles are everywhere when you are only two inches tall. Exploring this world can be tricky, with gaps between the past presenting serious water hazards. Despite his best efforts, the subject's chick struggles, and desperate times call for desperate measures.

The great flood has changed everything it touched, and the world has turned. New creatures now lurk in the dappled light of the swamp, and lions are no longer in command. The lions do not mind getting their feet wet, but with their hunting ground submerged, they have lost their usual advantages. Perhaps it is better to go after something a little slower. The lions try to corner a lone hippo, but if he reaches deep water, he will be in his element, and they will be out of theirs. The hippo makes his move before they can make theirs, and he is safe.

The flood has brought both challenges and promise. An even greater change lies ahead. Four months after it began, the flood is at its peak, creating a vast wetland that fans out for thousands of square miles and overflows with life. Beneath the surface, a whole new world has taken root, and secret gardens flourish. Even the largest residents have all the space they need. The crocodiles are in their element, waiting in the shallows of the swamp, and the subject cautiously navigates this unfamiliar territory.

As the water levels fall, fresh delicacies emerge, and the subject's family is up early to take advantage of them. The baboon troupe is growing, and young males are pushing their limits, trying to fight their way up the ranks. It is up to the boss to restore order. The falling water levels reveal lilies and sedges, and it takes patience and hard work to reap the rewards.

The channels start to run dry, and sandbanks are exposed, the perfect nesting site for African skimmers. Nature has endowed them with extended lower beaks, perfect for catching small fish. The sandbanks have become a nursery for little skimmers, and lots of busy new parents are going through the same routine.