A view looking East towards man made islands of the Lake Merritt Bird Sanctuary. The Bellevue-Staten apartment building is in view and the Oakland/Piedmont Hills are in the background.

Lake Merritt is a large body of salt water that lies just south of downtown Oakland, California.

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 shore of lake.

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.

External links

• Lakeside Park/Lake Merritt
• History of Lake Merritt's Wildlife Sanctuary
• Birds of Lake Merritt
• The Lake Merritt Institute
• Interview with "The Lakekeeper"