Life at White Rock Lake in Dallas, TX with Deb, 2014

Due to a water shortage in 1910, White Rock Lake in East Dallas, TX was constructed from farmland previously owned by the Cox and Daniel families. It was built by the CCC(Civilian Conservation Corps) in the 1930’s, and by 1992, was a recreational center with many amenities, including picnic areas, bicycle paths, and jogging trails. Presently, all that remains of the Cox and Daniel farms are family cemeteries.

This two square mile lake with a nine-mile walkpath, is home to Southern Methodist University’s Sailing Club, their home practice area. The White Rock Marathon is held here, and it is a qualifier for the prestigious Boston Marathon.

According to legend, a story unfolds where a young girl drowned in this lake, and on certain nights, she can be seen soaking wet in 1920’s formalwear. A passing car picks her up, and she tells the driver that she has been in an accident. While her former home was still standing, the driver of said car would return her home, and it was learned that she was the former daughter of the homeowner. However, upon arrival at this residence, there is only a wet spot remaining where she was seated. The house no longer stands, but has been replaced by an apartment complex. I hear that she still returns there.

So now in place of this history, I wish to give you a few beautiful memories of my own. This wonderful recreation area has touched my heart for what it has to offer, and will shine on as a wildlife area for many years to come. In addition, I wish to thank you, Anna, for showing me the kindness of sharing with an out-of-towner, one of many wonders of nature.

The Greater Scaup is a common diving duck seen in bays, rivers and lakes. They breed mainly in Alaska and northwest and north central Canada.

The breeding male American White Pelican has a centerboard on the ridge of the bill. They will fly in a flock, and the head is hunched back on the shoulders while in flight, the long bill resting on the breast.

The Chinese Cresteds are interesting birds and are not wild, but domestics. They either flew off or were abandoned in the wild, but as one can see, they managed to survive very well.

Males and females in the Great-tailed Grackle species appear to be two different birds, due to their coloring. While the male is dark, the female is smaller and much lighter, so it makes sense to pay attention to flocks. Chances are very good that if there is a stranger in the flock, it will be very apparent due to greater differences.

As a reminder, carefully protect nature to the fullest degree. Please dispose of trash properly, and never allow it to find its way in water or on land where animals frequent. If you enjoy fishing, take your tangled line with you, as it can easily cause death by strangulation, as well as the amputation of legs.

If you’re at an outdoor wedding, remember that rice is not digestible by birds, and can cause a great deal of harm with their delicate systems. If you want to throw something at the bride and groom to wish them good health and luck in their love, throw birdseed. It will serve a good purpose in a safe manner.

Balloons are popular at many outdoor celebrations, like birthday parties, anniversaries, bar mitzvahs, and so many other wonderful remembrances. Sometimes balloons will escape, but they can cause undue injury as well as death. An animal can ingest them, and they can prohibit food from entering the gullet or stomach. Starvation is a very slow death, as well as excruciatingly painful. Please do your best to continue wildlife as we known it. Be proud of yourself for doing so, and I will be proud of you, and continue to share your stories with my public.

Without further adieu, welcome to my world. Keep your eyes to the ground, and your head in the clouds. Happy birding, and may your Life List grow at a rate that keeps you well attuned to your Inner Child.