Outings

Volunteers did not materialize for the work day, so rather than work unsafely alone, I hiked the site.

A gang of neighborhood kids have invested in paint-ball equipment, and were playing in the woods where we've worked for the last few months. I told them about how invasive species have taken over the woods, and are invading the lake. I asked them to pack out their trash, keep invasives out of the lake, and to join us next month.

The buckthorn under the mighty oaks on the N shore of Sun Lake is head-high. We should return there with loppers and herbicide before more they mature and bear fruit.

There were 4-wheeler trails everywhere. They led to the bridge across Sequoit, where I took the pictures below.

Luckily the hilltop oaks have not had their roots excavated again for motocross jumps.

Fauna: Sooty Tern at pump house wetland. 2 Red-tail Hawks cry and circle. Emerald Green Dragonfly checks me out. Common Yellowthroats, Catbirds near Teasel outbreak. RWBB's, GBH's. ~20 Crows.

Tractor Path at Bridge

Due W of pump house entrance, facing W.

The water in Sun Lake has risen, and it's flowing across the tractor path E of the culvert/bridge to Sequoit Creek in the shadows. This might mean the lake is closer to its level before Sequoit Creek was channelized. Historical maps suggest that this is where the lake originally drained. What's causing this? My backpack sits on a manhole cover.

Sun Lake Overflows

Fish scatter as I approach to check out the flow, and a Green Heron clucks as it flies in to check me out. The water is tea colored with tannin from decomposing cattails that encroach on the lake. A pair of Flickers fly up, and a pair of Gold Finches dash from tree to tree.

Civil Engineers?

Facing SW, W of overflow, at culvert..

The S end of the culvert is barely visible in the center of the frame. Muck has thoroughly clogged it. Stripped saplings with chewed ends implicate beaver, but only a few, and no footprints make a weak case.

Willow Strangler?

This fallen willow is only a few yards from the culvert entrance. Could its water-loving roots be the cause?

Without a Trace

Facing E at overflow.

Flow vanishes into existing vegetation without a trace.

Common Yellowthroat Warblers with 2 young, attracted by the water, show themselves in the surrounding trees.