With summer coming to a close we switch over to the cool crispness of the autumn air. A time of harvest and a time to prepare for the coming winter. Last Friday was a beautiful morning to be out at Watkins Lake. I awoke early and arrived at the lake well before sunrise. The soft glow on the horizon, the echoes of geese calling across the water, and the dew covered grasses foretold a wonderful morning of photography lay ahead. As the sun rose it brightly illuminated the patches of leaves that have begun to color.
For much of the year the lake is a restricted wildlife refuge for migratory waterfowl. But the road that bisects the lake is open and a great location for observing a myriad of species. I was able to observe a beautiful pair of swans, scads of Canadian Geese, several species of ducks, and numerous Great Blue Herons, Sandhill Cranes, and Egrets. There is a nesting pair of Bald Eagles on the far side of the lake that were hidden from view but I did hear their eerie call across the water.
The water levels are quite low right now and I know from past experience Whitetail Deer take advantage to cross the water between areas of land. As I walked along the road I was fortunate to stop and watch two yearlings, a doe and a button buck, working their way along the shore. And as I watched, mama doe emerged from the adjacent cornfield, hurrying to catch up to her wayward kids. A little while later they used one of the shallow areas to cut across the lake, disturbing a group of geese along the way.
The state park offers several groomed walking trails outside the refuge zone, as well as numerous wild trails throughout the fields and forested zones. I love the wild trails that deer have cut, especially in winter. Unfortunately part of the park is open to hunting and I hesitate to follow those trails at this time of the year. So Friday I stayed to the groomed trails and enjoyed the fresh air and exercise.
Watkins Lake State Park has become one of my favorite go to spots over the years. If you get a chance to head out there I’m sure you’ll agree. If you enjoyed this Journal entry, please drop me a comment below, feel free to share with your friends, and visit my website Terrance Alexander Photography.
Terrance Alexander