I think I successfully changed the settings on this blog site to give everyone the ability to leave a comment without having to sign up for a Google account. It should be simple to do.....just click on the "comments" line at the bottom of each blog entry and follow the instructions. You can select "anonymous" on the entry form to keep your identity private.
The drawdown is progressing well despite last Thursday's rain. Unfortunately the weatherman is predicting another round of showers towards the end of this week. Of course I can't really complain about the rain because our area desperately needs it. I just wish Mother Nature had better timing.
If you decide to take a boat out to fish or explore the lake, please exercise extreme caution. Rocks, logs, stumps, and other underwater obstructions are an even greater hazard to boaters when the water level drops below normal. I've also discovered that many property owners, especially in the older sections of the neighborhood, have pipes extending into the lake to feed their irrigation systems. Trolling in the shallow areas along the developed shoreline should be avoided because these pipes may be covered in silt and difficult to see.
Not unexpected, I have observed a steady increase in wildlife activity since the water began to receed. Herons, osprey, hawks, crows, killdeer, muskrat and other wildlife are all taking advantage of the "easy pickin's" provided by the lower water levels. This is a great time to get out and see some unusual sights on the lake. Fishermen in particular will be interested in the locations of stumps, sunken trees and other fish habitat structure. A "tom boy" at heart, I personally have been enjoying this unique opportunity to view an abundance of animal tracks on the mud flats (see photos below).
