FOR NATURE NOTES and NATURE FOOTSTEP - WATERS .
A Monday post a couple of weeks ago explained a little more about the annual draining of Fern Ridge reservoir and shows pictures of the other side of the Lake, where the dam is.
This is how it looks from the side of the Lake where our RV is. Below is the shrinking channel along Jeans Road on the last day of October... I took a lot of bird pictures from here earlier in the season when there was more water.
Next is the swimming beach at Fern Ridge Shores RV Park. In the summer those white buoys were floating. Now, it's all (mud) beach.
And below is today's view from the RV window:
Hard to believe that sail boats were skimming over the top of those stumps just a couple of months ago! The birds have found a good spot to gather forces before flying further south as the water continues to shrink.
Chances are pretty good we'll be looking out at a meadow by the time we leave Fern Ridge Lake for the Winter.
It makes for interesting scenery and birdlife. I know you said but I forget why the lake is drained in winter.
Posted by: diane | November 10, 2012 at 08:32 PM
I love the look of the stumps with the birds in the water for some reason...thank you for linking into Nature Notes Sallie...Michelle
Posted by: Rambling Woods | November 09, 2012 at 07:00 PM
Calling by from the Nature Footsteps Water Meme today Sallie, it is a sad situation, great photos though.
Posted by: lindyloumacinitaly | November 08, 2012 at 08:19 AM
Gorgeous pictures! And I love the one of the heron eating in your post below.
Posted by: Lady Fi | November 08, 2012 at 05:43 AM
I assume this isn't a permanent change but it's certainly an interesting one. Great shots you took.
Posted by: bettyl | November 07, 2012 at 09:02 PM
I´m glad they try to maitain the natural rythm of nature. It is a good thing. :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep | November 07, 2012 at 01:15 PM
A nice reminder that the one constant in Nature is - change. Usually, there is a rhythm to the change and if can tune in to it, we're much happier!
Posted by: Wally | November 07, 2012 at 01:11 PM
Very interesting - the last photo is intriguing.
Tree stumps or in some cases looks like old fence post???
Seems strange that the water recedes in the winter, here water recedes in the hot summer months, unless we have torrential rain like 2010/2011.
Can this area be "googled" to find out more???
Cheers
Colin (Brisbane.Australia)
Posted by: Colin Huggins | November 07, 2012 at 12:11 PM
That is incredible what a difference it is. I can see how that would be a good place for bird watching.
Posted by: Carver | November 07, 2012 at 11:55 AM
Intriguing 2nd pic...the water must be higher a few months ago? It sounds like it's not too long before you leave for winter and are saying "goodbye" to the area:):)
Posted by: Emille | November 07, 2012 at 11:19 AM
Those photos show such an interesting change in the lake levels. I hope you can get some photos if/when it becomes a grassy meadow.
Posted by: Mick | November 07, 2012 at 10:52 AM
What a change! But, the birds are still visiting.
Posted by: Barb | November 07, 2012 at 09:19 AM
Wow, that's quite a change. Great shots, love the birds!
Posted by: Karen | November 07, 2012 at 08:42 AM
It will be a very muddy meadow...
The egrets and herons are likely happy about the lower water levels - means the fish are more concentrated, so easier feeding.
And the other birds are safer from dogs, too. Who can run in the mud?
Posted by: Judy | November 07, 2012 at 07:57 AM
Such a drastic difference.
Posted by: Gaelyn | November 07, 2012 at 07:34 AM
i bet the birds are finding all sorts of snails, clams, frogs, turtles, etc. to munch on now.
Posted by: TexWisGirl | November 07, 2012 at 06:07 AM
The only thing won't change is change itself.
Posted by: Rainfield | November 07, 2012 at 04:57 AM
Yikes! What a difference. I love the s-curve of the water in the first shot.
Posted by: Gail Dixon | November 07, 2012 at 04:43 AM
Wow, the lake is really low. On the bright side the receding lake and mud will attract the birds. Have a lovely day, Sallie!
Posted by: eileen | November 07, 2012 at 02:20 AM
Awesome! Such a tranquil place for the birds and for both of you. :)
Posted by: eastcoastlife | November 07, 2012 at 01:00 AM
That draining made for some wonderful muddy bird habitat Sallie.
Posted by: Phil | November 07, 2012 at 12:44 AM
I remember your post, these stumps out of the water look so strange ! Can imagine that it is a nice parking for birds !
Posted by: Gattina | November 06, 2012 at 11:11 PM
The same thing happens to many of our lakes in the searing summer.
Posted by: Lotusleaf | November 06, 2012 at 09:45 PM
How the landscape changes! Wow. Beautiful shots.
Posted by: Sandy Carlson (USA) | November 06, 2012 at 07:32 PM