Lake Merritt

I live in the small hills that lie just to the east and south of Lake Merritt, near the center of Oakland, CA. This lake is a short downhill walk from my house (the walk back, however, can be a bit of a slog).

This is a very popular place among Oaklanders–perfect for birdwatching, walking/jogging, picnics, gondola rides and family gatherings.  Or a peaceful respite from the noise and waste inflicted by urban life. The lake presents new perspectives every time I look through a viewfinder. My study of the lake will continue as long as long as I live here.

Background and context from Wikipedia:

Lake Merritt is a large tidal lagoon in the center of Oakland, California, just east of Downtown. It is surrounded by parkland and city neighborhoods. It is historically significant as the United States’ first official wildlife refuge, designated in 1870, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1966. The lake features grassy shores; several artificial islands intended as bird refuges; an interpretive center called the Rotary Nature Center; a boating center where sailboats, canoes and rowboats can be rented and classes are held; and a fairy tale themed amusement park called Children’s Fairyland. A popular walking and jogging path runs along its perimeter.[3] The circumference of the lake is 3.4 miles (5.5 km) and its area is 155 acres.

Here a couple for photos from my Lake Merritt collection.

Bird Islands Lake Merritt

This is of a couple of the artificial islands built as part of the bird sanitary. The buildings in th background issultrates the very urban setting of the lake. Nikon 800e, Nikkor 24-70 zoom. f/22. Exposures not recorded, but this image was made using 3-4 different exposures. HDR rendering-Photomatix Pro. BW rendering Silver eFex Pro 2.

Lake Merritt Sunrise

Nikon 800e, Nikkor 24-70 zoom. f/22. Exposures not recorded, but this image was made using 3-4 different exposures. HDR rendering-Photomatix Pro. BW rendering Silver eFex Pro 2.

Lake Merritt Sunrise

Same picture in color. Geekie stuff the same, without the BW rendering.

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