Mono Lake

During my recent trip to the east side of the Sierras I of course visited 

Mono Lake. It's been almost 2 years since I've been in the area and was happy to see

the lake has risen quite a bit. Some of the Tufas you were able to walk all the way around 

now have one side under water. A good sight to see.

Mono lake is about 45' below its historic levels due to the Los Angeles Department

of Water diverting the normal creek inflow into the lake. An agreement was reached 

in the 70's to restore the lake level to about 20' below historic levels. Very slowly, with drought

years intervening, that seems to be happening.

I've taken some beautiful sunrises at Mono Lake, every time I try for a sunset

the clouds seem to disappear. I got lucky this time, but first some shots I took 

before sunset.

With the wind making the water a little choppy I didn't get the wonderful

reflections the Tufas can offer.

But there were some other opportunities.

Alkali Flies are a big part of the Mono Lake ecosystem. This is the only

place you'll find this specific species. Because of the salinity of the water they

cannot survive anywhere else. The flies and their larvae are the main food source

for many bird species.

Usually it's hard to get a good look at the flies. They mass together at the

edge of the lake. This time some pollen from the local sage brush provided a

colorful background. Not very artistic but it give you a little idea of what

they are.

I've never seen any birds actually eating either the flies of larvae but this

gull spent some time scooping them up. I'd move closer, it would move away. I'd 

move away and it would come back and continue eating.

The area around Mono Lake can get quite windy. Really windy. When that 

happens the water is blown onto the shore and the plants surrounding it.

Here's what happens after the wind subsides and the salt dries.

To form the Tufas calcium springs come up through the carbonate salts of the lake and form the towers of calcium carbonate. This has been going on for centuries and many Tufas are now high and dry.

Another sight I've never seen are these Canadian Geese. I've never seen any geese

 on the lake before. Looks like a mother and her young'uns.

And last but not least, the sunset.

Stay Safe, then Go, See, Enjoy and Photograph

Dave