Become a Lake Merritt Docent

Become a Lake Merritt Docent

ByGGBA

Introduce Oakland residents to the birds of Lake Merritt! We’re currently seeking volunteers to serve as Lake Merritt docents from November through February, when the lake has its more abundant bird life.  A training session will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, October 19 at 7 p.m.

Lake Merritt docentsLake Merritt docents

What’s involved? Together with another volunteer, you’ll spend two hours on some Saturday mornings (10 a.m. to noon) along the lake with a spotting scope and brochures about the ducks and other birds of Lake Merritt. You’ll chat with passersby who are interested, help them spot birds in the scope, and tell them a little bit about these birds and what they’re doing here on the lake.

Choose which Saturdays between November and February work for your schedule. We’re aiming to have docents present on about two Saturdays each month. You do NOT need to be an expert birder, just someone who is enthusiastic about birds and willing to share your interest! We’ll provide you with information about the lake and its bird life during the training.

If you’re interested or have questions, please contact our Adult Education Chair Maureen Lahiff at mlahiff@aol.com.

Did you know… Lake Merritt was the first officially-designated wildlife refuge in the U.S.? In 1870, at the request of local residents including Oakland’s mayor, the State of California created the Lake Merritt Wild Duck Refuge and prohibited waterfowl hunting there. …

Docents explain Lake Merritt’s birds

Docents explain Lake Merritt’s birds

ByGGBA

Take a stroll around Lake Merritt this spring and have our friendly docents help you learn about the birds! Golden Gate Bird Alliance volunteers will be stationed on the north edge of the lake (near the nesting islands and Rotary Nature Center) every other Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon:

Saturday March 25
Saturday April 8
Saturday April 22
Saturday, May 6
Saturday, May 20
Saturday, June 3

They’ll help you identify the Double-creted Cormorants and other birds nesting on the islands, as well the ducks, herons and other birds that frequent the lake.

Originally an arm of San Francisco Bay, Lake Merritt  was designated as a wildlife refuge by the state Legislature in 1870 — the first wildlife refuge in the country. At that time, the lake still had thick wetlands ringing its shores and providing habitat for thousands of water birds.

Lake Merritt before urban development. Photo courtesy of Oakland Public Library.

The late Paul Covel, a Golden Gate Bird Alliance activist, became the City of Oakland’s first naturalist in the mid-20th century and oversaw construction of a sanctuary for injured birds at the lake and construction of the Rotary Nature Center.

Today the lake is healthier than in past decades, since bond funds allowed the city to widen the channel connecting it to the Bay and admit more tidal flows. Species commonly found at the lake include Double-crested Cormorants, Black-crowned Night-Herons, Snowy Egrets, Ruddy Ducks, Buffleheads, Greater and Lesser Scaups, White Pelicans, and grebes.

Read more about Lake Merritt’s birds and history on our blog. Then come out and visit with our docents!

Birding at Lake Merritt today / Photo by Ilana DeBare

 …

Invertebrates of Lake Merritt class

Invertebrates of Lake Merritt class

ByGGBA

NEW CLASS! September is a great time to see the invertebrates of Oakland’s Lake Merritt, as the waters are clear and many of the seasonal sea slugs have just finished laying their eggs masses. Instructor Damon Tighe will take you through a brief history of the tidal mudflat including a prospectus on its future now that the channel back to the bay is being opened back up. Damon will introduce you to many of the creatures that you can find within Lake Merritt, from sea anemones to shrimp to nudibranchs. The following Saturday there will be a chance to go find some of these invertebrates along the shores of Lake Merritt.

  • One classroom session on Tuesday September 15 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
  • One two-hour field trip on Saturday September 19. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Lake Merritt boat house.
  • Instructor: Damon Tighe
  • Limited to 15 participants. There will be a waiting list in case any participants drop out.
  • Fee: $20 for Golden Gate Bird Alliance members, $25 for non-members.
  • Location: Ed Roberts Campus, Koret Room, 3075 Adeline Street, directly across the street from Ashby BART in Berkeley. Free parking in the lot behind the center.
  • Click here to register.

ALSO:  There are still a few spaces available in our fall Beginning Birding (evening session) and Advanced Beginning Birding classes. Both start in mid-September. For details and registration, see goldengatebirdalliance.org/education/classes/ 

One of the invertebrates we may find in Lake MerrittOne of the invertebrates we may find in Lake Merritt…

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