Easter 'Break'

Dark-capped Bulbul

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has off for this whole week, and the Monday following Easter Sunday. So it has been quiet on campus, but luckily not in my office.  My professor, as well as another grad student, where hard at work this week so I didn’t feel out of place being in the office getting stuff done. This week I wrote an outline for my introduction and introductions for two of my chapters (together 20 pages). Thursday alone, I wrote a research proposal for the Eastern Cape Parks Board asking to do research in a protected area.

This past Wednesday my professor and I went down to meet Jan from the Eastern Cape Parks Board in Durban. He is the person that brought me here! When I came two years ago, he had us help out with some of his research. It took a lot of work and plenty of time for me to have this opportunity. I think about how lucky I am to wake up in Africa every day!

It is hard to be away during a holiday, but I just remind myself about Christmas and how it will be here before I know it. In the mean time I bird, work on my masters, and READ. I read for my research, but also to catch up. I want to know all about the birds, trees, mammals, butterflies, flowers, reptiles, and amphibians! It is also good to also understand all the conservation issues and projects. One article I just read was about the Cape leopard and using satellite technology to track them. This leopard is found near Cape Town. I thought they were only found up in Kruger! Check out their website http://www.capeleopard.org.za/.

New favorite Easter candy: sugar coated chocolate eggs!