Lake Merritt
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Lake_Merritt_Oakland_California.jpg
Lake Merritt is a large body of salt water that lies just east of downtown Oakland, California. It is surrounded by parkland and city neighborhoods. A popular walking and jogging path runs along its perimeter.
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History
In 1867, Dr. Samuel Merritt donated 155 acres (627,000 m²) of dammed tidal water from the headwaters of Indian Slough, it became known as "Merritt's Lake" and later Lake Merritt.
Originally, the 'lake' was a tidal estuary of San Francisco Bay. It has always attracted migratory birds and in order to protect the birds from duck hunters, in 1869, the body of water was declared a National wildlife refuge, making it the first such refuge in North America.
The Lake Merritt Wild Duck Refuge became a National Historic Landmark on May 23, 1963.
Children's Fairyland is on the lake's shore in Lakeside Park.
Birds of Lake Merritt
The lake features a healthy year-round population of birds, it does see seasonal fluctuations in the types of birds who call the lake home.
Year round
All year round, the lake is home to moderate Canada Goose, Black-crowned Night Heron, Great Egret, Cormorant, American_coot, and Gull populations. There are also small Mallard Duck and Pelican populations.
Cold season
From November through March the lake plays host to a very large population of Greater Scaup and Lesser Scaup, who spend most of their time floating on water mostly just sleeping. Smaller numbers of Canvasback, Bufflehead, and other migratory diving ducks are also present during the cold season.
Dry season
From June until the end of September, the lake's Canada Goose population increases significanty; they become nearly ubiquitous around the perimeter of the lake. In late summer and early fall a moderate pelican population also arrives.
References
- National Historic Landmarks Program (http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceID=112&resourceType=Site)
External links
- Lakeside Park/Lake Merritt (http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/facilities/parks_lakeside.asp)
- History of Lake Merritt's Wildlife Sanctuary (http://wildflowers-cdrom.com/birds/History.html)
- Birds of Lake Merritt (http://www.wildflowers-cdrom.com/birds/birds.html)
- The Lake Merritt Institute (http://www.lakemerrittinstitute.org/)
- Interview with "The Lakekeeper" (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/08/17/CM139923.DTL)
- The Cleveland Cascade (http://clevelandcascade.org/) -- once-stunning cascading water fountain on shores of Lake Merritt, soon to be restored.ja:レイクメリット