For Michelle's NATURE NOTES and Nature Footstep's WATERS. (Thank you.)
It is still so warm that it doesn't feel much like Fall. There hasn't been any rain for days and the wetlands around Fern Ridge Lake are already starting to fill in.
By November, the whole Lake will look like a meadow, because starting today, the Corps of Engineers begins the annual draw-down. The Lake (really a large reservoir) is used for recreation in the summer, but serves as flood control in the rainy season.
A couple of weeks ago, County Health officials issued a toxic algae alert for the Lake. They advised people to avoid contact with the water.
The alert said the algae is an occasional natural hot weather occurence that subsides as the weather cools. It can cause skin distress and, if inhaled, respiratory difficulties.
This picture was taken (from a distance) at the RV Park boat dock.
Here's the sign that our Park management put by the swimming beach. (The wind was blowing, so I had to hold it still.)
It's been years since swimming in a mud-bottom Lake had much appeal for me, and except for the weird algae formation down by the boat docks, the Lake in front of our RV and the wetlands where we walk still looked as natural and lovely as ever. So the toxic alert didn't really affect us. But it does cause a little anxiety. It just seems so much warmer than it ought to be for this time of year.
Apparently the growth didn't bother our water birds.
Although daytime temperatures have reached the 80s every day since the warning was issued, the bloom appears to be gone. We haven't heard that the alert has been lifted, but maybe the Health Department just hasn't bothered because it's so close to the time when the Lake will "disappear" for the year. (It's almost as if they pull a plug and the water slowly drains away.)
Oh we have had issues here in NY with that algae and it can harm wildlife too. Hopefully the cooler temps will knock it out...Michelle
Posted by: Rambling Woods | October 04, 2012 at 08:25 PM
Although I do understand flood control it seems weird to have a lake/reservoir intentionally drained. Strange algae bloom. Yet it seems a bit warm here too.
Posted by: Gaelyn | October 04, 2012 at 07:06 PM
to bad the birds can´t read the sign. They should stay away too. But it seems to be a great way of using the lakes water.
Posted by: NatureFootstep | October 04, 2012 at 03:38 PM
Must be warm if you still have a toxic algae alert!
Looks so lush and lovely.
Posted by: Lady Fi | October 04, 2012 at 09:57 AM
Your lake reminds me of my stream ( really a water feature). We put it to bed for the winter a week ago. I miss it but the grasses that grow along its edge still sway in the breeze. Your weather is staying warm there. As you might have heard, it's turned cold in Denver.
Posted by: Barb | October 04, 2012 at 09:50 AM
The weather has turned here today, finally it has turned cool. A good day for a walk.
Posted by: Martha | October 04, 2012 at 09:02 AM
What a wonderful post, Sallie. A shame about the toxic algae alert at this lake. How exciting it must be, however, watching it change as the seasons do. It seems that we have all had odd weather patterns this year - a concern.
Posted by: Penny | October 04, 2012 at 08:23 AM
It has been unusually hot and dry in the northwest this year, Spokane has had over 40 days with no measurable precipitation, and everyone is concerned over the fire danger. That is, if they're not concerned because there is already a fire nearby!
Your marshy lake looks lovely, though, and the grebes seem unconcerned! Thanks for coming by!
Posted by: Dimple | October 04, 2012 at 05:32 AM
Hi there - nice post. The ecology of these "here today, gone tomorrow wetlands" must be interesting - I suppose it would be like many of the wetlands here - they get no water for years and then flood.
I think the kites that you see in Texas are a different, but closely related species. So, if you ever get to see "my" kites they will be a new species!
Stewart M - Australia
PS: go get some bird pictures for next weeks WWB!
Posted by: Stewart M | October 04, 2012 at 05:25 AM
Great photo's, you are lucky it is still warm there , we have a lot of tain and wind but then it is autumn right.
Posted by: Riet | October 04, 2012 at 04:19 AM
That's interesting what they do with the lake ! That's an excellent use for summer and winter ! With the signs it's sometimes such a thing, they just forget to take it away especially when a street is repaired and it's still only allows you to drive 20km/h ! instead of 50.
Posted by: Gattina | October 03, 2012 at 10:26 PM
I was thinking along the same lines as Theresa wondering about the critters left behind. Although I'm assuming some migrate.
That first shot is a beauty though - how wetlands should look I think. :)
Posted by: Carletta | October 03, 2012 at 09:23 PM
Nice shots. I can't imagine temperatures like that in October, we may not get above freezing on Saturday.
Posted by: Al | October 03, 2012 at 06:25 PM
very interesting...I wonder if this will effect the fowl and fish ultimately...beautiful photos though.
Posted by: Laura Hegfield | October 03, 2012 at 05:34 PM
Hi Sallie, is the algae part of this lake? If so, the looks could be very deceiving. I see so much green on the first photo. Its so beautiful!
Posted by: Ebie | October 03, 2012 at 04:48 PM
I posted the other dayabout the algae on Ginty's Pond, and your disappearing lake reminds me of our son's, on the meadow in the Cariboo. They work in cooperation with the Beaver, if the Beaver is feeling helpful, and the water disappears in the summer to provide hay for the neighbours cows. Nice Post, Sallie.
Posted by: Hildred | October 03, 2012 at 03:50 PM
It's so sad that the water is toxic but the view is still wonderful!
Posted by: bettyl | October 03, 2012 at 03:36 PM
Interesting post. Although I don't think I need a sign to tell me to keep out of lakes. You couldn't drag me in there. Who knows what lurks on the bottom? :)
But I do like looking at photos of the top!
Posted by: Halcyon | October 03, 2012 at 10:11 AM
the sign is not too official looking
I love the meadow :)
it has gotten warm and humid here again, up to 80 tomorrow
Posted by: dianne | October 03, 2012 at 06:02 AM
I know I shouldn't say, but the blue-green algae does add a lovely colour!!!
Posted by: Red Nomad OZ | October 03, 2012 at 04:09 AM
Wonderful photographs, such observation it is great joy. I am greeting
Posted by: ZielonaMila | October 03, 2012 at 03:30 AM
Glad that you could take such beautiful pictures from a safe distance to share the beauty of the beginning of the fall with all of us here. That algae sure looks harmful especially to the skin. Though I hope the birds will be safe from its toxicity! Enjoy the season, Sallie :)
Posted by: Arti | October 03, 2012 at 03:11 AM
I wouldn't want to swim in that lake with the green algae. Glad that things are improving.
Posted by: eastcoastlife | October 03, 2012 at 01:39 AM
HI Sallie, I guess the algae alert helps. Looks like some grebes there, do not mind being in the lake. It is a pretty area, lovely shots.
Posted by: Eileen | October 03, 2012 at 01:20 AM
Great photos of the lake and wetlands and very interesting how it is drained each year. Sorry your summer is almost over - but rejoice with me that ours is coming!
Posted by: Mick | October 03, 2012 at 01:15 AM
Yes! Summer is over, but you still show us some fascinating photos! Will you soon be heading back to the Canal Cottage?
Posted by: HAZEL | October 02, 2012 at 11:27 PM
That is nasty stuff. We had a blue/green algae alert in our local lake last summer. Does it smell and leave a sludge when they empty it?
Posted by: diane | October 02, 2012 at 10:37 PM
Great view and captures, aside from the algae alert. Still good that the waterfowl are enjoying it. They seem to be immune to it.
Posted by: Shey | October 02, 2012 at 08:54 PM
This seems so strange. We're not so into swimming these days.
Amazing how the birds manage. GREAT photos!
Posted by: Jenn Jilks | October 02, 2012 at 06:27 PM
Today we had our first fall-like day. Boy, was I happy! Loved your photos and reading about the area. Seems like that sign should have been a more permanent one since the conditions were kind of serious. What if the wind blew it off? That's just me: worrier extraordinaire.
Posted by: Gail | October 02, 2012 at 04:54 PM
Sallie this was a wonderful post and the photos are great. Reminds me of Eagle Bluffs here. It serves the same purpose. We visited there this weekend and the wetlands were so full of birds of all kinds and the duck hunters were out practicing with their dogs for the start of duck season next week.
Posted by: Rita aka Cashjocky | October 02, 2012 at 04:14 PM
i can't imagine the species that die off when they drain the lake - fish, turtles, insects, clams, frogs, etc.
Posted by: TexWisGirl | October 02, 2012 at 04:02 PM
What an interesting business with like "here today, gone tomorrow"!!!!
Just where does the water go? Certainly does seem like a plug business.
Is there a 'google' thing to read about this lake?
I would like to read more.
Cheers
Colin (Brisbane.Australia)
Very busy here today, preparing for tomorrow's departure.
Thank God it is fine today to get all the washing done.
Posted by: Colin Huggins | October 02, 2012 at 01:48 PM
Beautiful shots but that's a shame about the toxic algae.
Posted by: Carver | October 02, 2012 at 11:07 AM