Finished baiting today. On drive up to field sites had Valentine’s Day discussion with field assistants. Apparently there’s much similarity between the Kenyan and American celebration, mainly the giving of flowers, and a bit surprising to me, the wearing of red clothing, as one field assistant enthusiastically pointed out his bright red fleece worn just for the occasion. While sampling heard a loud ruckus which snapped my head up. Sounded a bit like the Grevy’s zebras that hang out by the bandas at night, but a bit more intense. Maybe in distress? Or estrus? Four repeated bursts, and seemed to be heading away from the plot, never got a visual.

Had a veritable feast at lunch. Chicken, potatoes, garlic green beans (mmm, been missing my garlic), salad. And cupcakes topped with red frosting hearts.

Heard stories of domestic cat and wildlife interactions. Small orange cat, beloved pet, outside when elephants come through. Owners petrified of possibilities, watch as cat plays unaware of pachyderm presence. Suddenly becomes cognizant, and starts to playfully swipe at elephant’s trunk, likely unaware of the large mass possessing it. Elephant registers cat, gets spooked, and vacates. Goes to cat’s head, actively stalks elephants from that date forward. Same couple, different cat. Comes back to house to find door open, papers strewn about, and cat missing. Reports of leopard hanging around house thereafter...

Also heard that researcher is stuck in Nairobi, as Virgin Airways is cancelling flights because no one from UK is flying out, so no planes available to fly back.

Finish data entry from bait study, watch Talek enjoy a (zebra’s?) jawbone and enjoy some sundowners. On the drive out catch some Mpala kids playing football on a dusty airstrip during sunset. And send some Valentine’s Day greetings from the top of Lookout Rock.