As you travel from Ngurdoto Gate towards Momela, you pass Ngongongare Spring and then reach Lokie Swamp on the left and Senato Pools and Lakes Jembamba and Longil on the right. These pools frequently dry out, but when full of water host a variety of waterfowl and are used as drinking places by all kinds of wildlife.
From the observation hides you can often watch a small group of bohor reedbuck as they graze on the green pasture, which is always available. The Bohor reedbuck can be identified by its uniform tawny color and very bushy tail with a white "flag." The males have short forward curving horns. Reedbuck are difficult to see when they are lying down in tall reeds, but if alarmed they will give a shrill whistle and run off with a typical "rocking horse" gait.
Another antelope usually found near water, as its name suggests, is the common waterbuck. This thick-set antelope has a brownish-grey coat and distinctive white ring around the rump. Only the males are horned. They are territorial, but waterbuck are unusual in that several adult, subadult and juvenile males may be found mixed with herds of females and young. The territorial bull will tolerate younger males as long as they behave submissively, approaching him with head and tail extended while licking the air. Females perform the same submissive display.
Watch out for safari ants as you walk to the hides. Safari ants are reddish colored and move in long columns. They will nip with their sharp pincers if disturbed, so it is always best to step over a line of ants. Snakes may be present but are rarely seen.
The grassy glades around Lake Longil remain green throughout the year and provide permanent grazing for many animals. This is a good spot to observe animals emerging from the forest in the early morning and in the late afternoon before they retreat. The grasses are star grass (Cynodon dactylon) and Pennisetum clandestinum, valuable pasture for domestic stock throughout East Africa. Butterflies are frequently seen fluttering in patches of sunlight or along the road.
Lake Longil is a beautiful spot. If you choose to stop here for a picnic please keep a careful lookout in case there are any buffaloes in the vicinity. The lake is full of Tilapia fish, a main source of food for fish eagles. The brown and white fish eagle is easily recognized. Its lonely cry, which will often be heard echoing across the water, is one of the most characteristic and evocative sounds of the African wilds. The bird throws its head backwards when calling, even in flight.
On the lake floating islands of papyrus and mace-reed change direction with the wind. These islands of vegetation are similar to the "sudd" in the River Nile and the Euphrates delta.
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