Its Raining
by Ekaju Robert

(The following was printed in the Childrens Corner of Nature Watch, an
environmental monthly of the East African Wild Life Society, Uganda
Chapter, PO Box 7422, Kampala, Uganda, eawls@mukla.ac.ug.)

    What do you do when it starts to rain?  Elephants and cows are only
bothered by very strong rains. Some animals actually leave their
shelters and go out into the rain.  Why, do you think?
    Many types of delicious earthworms come out when it rains.  When a
heavy downpour causes a lot of noise, antelopes prefer being in the
open so they can listen carefully for danger.
    Foxes and most cats do not like being wet because wet fur doesnt keep
them warm.  Just like when your clothes get wet!
    Most birds take shelter from bad storms by hiding in a thicket, a leafy
tree or a hole in a rock.  Of course the ostrich can do none of these. 
Why, do you think?
    Some birds live in the water most of the time.  How do they keep dry
during a storm?  They use their beaks to pass a waterproof oil over
their feathers.  The oil is produced by a small gland at the base of
their tail.  If you watch birds while they are resting you may see them
fetching this oil and spreading it over their feathers.
      Swifts are excited by an approaching storm.  Why?  Many insects sense
an approaching storm and try to escape to safety.  This makes easy
eatings for swifts.  How do swifts and insects sense an approaching
storm?  This remains a mystery.  It could be the change in temperature,
humidity or the color of the sky.
      If you were the size of a grasshopper, how would you feel in a heavy
rain storm?  It would be worse if you were the size of an ant.  That is
why ants live inside ant hills.  Some ants are known to cling together
during storms and form a floating chain!
    Did you know that it is easier to catch fish when it is raining?  This
is because many fish are near the surface eating insects knocked down
by the wind.  Also, the water surface is broken up by wind and it is
difficult for fish to see someone out there trying to catch them!
      Chimpanzees celebrate just before a rain storm.  They make loud noises,
sway back and forth, and break off tree branches to protect them from
the rain.
      Next time it rains, why dont you put on your raincoat and boots, walk
out a bit and see what your fellow creatures are doing.

(Ekaju Robert is Education Secretary with Wildlife Clubs of Uganda.)