Spent a wonderful morning at Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park in Oakland, California on a birdwatching expedition. The event was sponsored by the Golden Gate Bird Alliance. Mari, Gaymond, and I car pooled and met up with the group at the Lake Merritt Sailboat House on Adams Point.
Summer is a slower time for birdwatching, since many migrating birds have reached their destinations, but we were assured we'd still see birds and possibly their offspring. Expert birders Hilary P., Peggy R., and Katherine C. led the hike. Quite a few of us showed up with our cameras, binoculars, and scopes; and with all levels of experience, from novice to expert.
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| Assembling for the birdwatching event |
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| Our route in blue, on Adam Point |
Lake Merritt is a 155-acre salt water tidal lake/lagoon that is situated in the heart of Oakland. It operates as a tidal wildlife refuge, connecting to the San Francisco Bay via an artificial channel. A 3.4-mile perimeter trail surrounds the lake, and adjacent to the water is Lakeside Park. We have been to Lakeside Park to visit the Japanese garden, Bonsai garden, Botanical garden, Native garden, and more. Together, the lake and park provide recreational opportunities for a densely populated urban area.
A series of small islands near the lake edge provides favored gathering places for many birds, especially pelicans, egrets, and herons. Other birds seem to like hanging out on floats on the lake, and still others are content to linger along the lakeside path.
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| Birds congregate on the islands and the mainland (photo by Mari) |
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| The floats double as a resting place for the birds |
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| Listening for songbirds under the majestic oak |
We assembled under the canopy of a huge oak tree, to listen for song birds. Sometimes they will even land on an outstretched hand holding bird seed for a quick snack. Other birds preferred to observe the landscape below from the safety of tall trees. Gaymond and Mari got some good shots of the birds.
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| Swallows in the trees |
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| Proud Canadian Goose parents and their gosling (photo by Mari) |
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| Pelicans and a Canadian goose on the island (photo by Gaymond) |
Our group leaders kept track of bird sightings using the eBird app. We observed 33 species during our time together That's not bad for being off season.
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| Our species list on eBird |
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| Intrepid birdwatchers at Lake Merritt (photo by Gaymond) |
Gaymond, Mari, and I ended our birdwatching with lunch at the Nua Thai Kitchen in Piedmont (noodle dishes all around in a beautiful environment), and great conversation. If you're interested in birdwatching (or just getting out with some good company), check out the monthly events offered by the Golden Gate Bird Alliance. We may see you there!
