Summary

The article describes an unexpected swarm of non-biting flies in Entebbe, Uganda, which, while providing ecological benefits, has disrupted daily life and contrasts with the anticipated joy of documenting tiny natural wonders.

Abstract

The author, initially excited about a writing prompt on "Tiny Packages," found their enthusiasm tempered by an overwhelming swarm of small flies blown in from Lake Victoria. These seasonal flies, though harmless and short-lived, have engulfed the area in such numbers that visibility is impaired and daily activities are hindered. The flies, while a nuisance to humans, serve as a vital nutrient source for local wildlife, including frogs, spiders, and monkeys. Despite the inconvenience, the author acknowledges the ecological importance of the phenomenon, trusting in nature's balance, and expresses hope for a return to normalcy soon.

Opinions

The author initially felt joy at the prospect of writing about tiny natural wonders but was quickly overwhelmed by the fly swarm.
The flies, despite being a nuisance, are recognized as an essential part of the local ecosystem, providing nutrients to various creatures.
The author expresses a mix of fascination and frustration, noting the flies' ecological role while also detailing the discomfort and disturbance they cause.
There is an appreciation for the resilience of nature and the adaptability of wildlife benefiting from the fly swarm.
The author encourages readers to join Medium, indicating a desire to share their experiences and support their writing through the platform's membership model.

Not All Tiny Things Bring Joy

We are under attack!

This is a cloud of small flies that got blown here from Lake Victoria. Photo Credit: Author

Thank you to Dennett and the Weeds and Wildflowers publication for hosting this month's prompt “Tiny Packages”. To learn more about the prompt check the link:

Tiny Packages

April Weeds & Wildflowers Writing Prompt

medium.com

Now, I must say, when I first saw the prompt I was excited!

I LOVE tiny things and spend a lot of my time taking photos of tiny insects, flowers, and patterns on plants. So, of course, I was inspired straight away, and couldn’t wait to get cracking on a post. In fact, I started writing my first post about tiny packages (I intend to have a few this month)just now, but as I was writing it, I was listening to the soft drops of things hitting our floor.

Now, it’s late and the last thing I need to do is to start another post. But you know, this opportunity was just too good to pass up.

Thankfully we are safe and sound in our mosquito net here in Uganda because outside of it, there are clouds of flies that have descended on Entebbe.

And I mean CLOUDS!

The picture above does not even come close to what we experienced today when we could barely see 50 feet in front of us, because of the intensity and quantity of the flies that have descended upon us here.

I uploaded a short to our YouTube channel from when we first discovered that a huge swarm had flown in. Thank goodness we were inside when it happened!

Lake Fly Swarm From Lake Victoria | Entebbe, Uganda

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In fact, we have been wearing our masks these past few days, not necessarily to protect us from Covid, but to be able to breathe while we are walking.

These small flies apparently are seasonal and get blown in from swamps on the lake. They don’t bite, and they don’t really stay on you as you walk through them, but they do bounce off of your body, face, and arms, and it is a test for the senses and sanity, let me tell you.

When we came back to our banda (cottage), we had to sweep a thick carpet of them out of the house. They were laying dead on every surface and in every nook and cranny.

And now?

This is our floor now. By morning, I can not imagine what it will look like. Photo Credit: Author

I won’t even bother showing you our table or counter space. To say we have the heebie-jeebies is a huge understatement!

These flies are stuck to absolutely everything outside. Walls, fence posts, leaves, trees, and bushes. You name it, it is covered.

There are flies absolutely everywhere! Photo Credits: Author

Apparently, they only live for one day and they provide incredible nutrients to many creatures in this area of Uganda. I can tell you for sure that the frogs are certainly happy as they have not stopped their melodious tunes since the sunset.

And the spiders! I’m sure they will be feasting for weeks! Plus, we have seen the monkeys munching on them as well. There is no doubt, that the wildlife is happy.

The humans? Not so much!

We knew that these trees were covered in webs but now we can REALLY see them! Photo Credit: Author

The trees and forests look like they are covered in thin blankets with all the flies that are caught in the multitude of webs.

I’ll be honest, it was this line in Dennett’s post about the writing prompt that mostly triggered this post.

For April, let’s look for the tiny packages — the little things in nature and life that give outsized joy.

It was then that I realized that not all tiny things bring joy!

But, I will say this. These flies provide nutrients to countless creatures around here, and I can only imagine that Mother Nature knows exactly what she is doing.

So we will stand aside, and let her do her thing. Hoping that soon, this insanity will end and we can get back to ‘normal’, whatever that is!

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Hi there, we are 2 Canadians, Jill and Chris from Artistic Voyages. We have been nomadic since 2017 living in numerous different countries, and experiencing the life and diversity of our planet on the ground and firsthand. We have now been on the African continent for 2 years! Join our adventure by hitting the links below!