Yesterday we joined our son on a little adventure. None of us had been to Lake Murray in years, but some recent sightings of the Common Loon prompted us to embark on a road trip. So off we went, despite the cold and very little knowledge of what we were going to find.
First of all let me say that I was very pleasantly surprised by the condition of the park, the clarity of the water, and the beauty of the surroundings. Lake Murray, seven miles south of Ardmore, is the oldest and largest of Oklahoma’s 35 state parks and frankly I expected it to look like an old park. Well, yes, the tower is still there and the distinctive rock work done by the WPA during 1930 is evident in many of the camping areas, but there is also new construction and renovation everywhere. New roads, new campsites, new sidewalks, new playgrounds, and new restrooms are in various stages of completion. And a nature center will be open in time for the summer tourist season. Very impressive.
I was also surprised to see so many people in the park on a sunny, but cold February day. Many had obviously been camped there for quite some time and several cabins also seemed to be occupied. We saw people picnicking, walking their dogs, fishing, and just playing in the sunshine. There was also some type of event going on in the group camp area designated for Field Trials. Lots of horses and dogs!
We spotted some loons, mallards, red heads, coots, Canada geese, cormorants, ring-necks, gulls, herons, hawks, and a pelican. I never keep all the names in my head like Robert does and I have to consult him or a book for most. Also saw lots of little birds, some familiar, some not. Some were too far away for quality photos, but a pair of geese wandering around down by the marina were obviously quite accustomed to posing for the tourists. If I had had food in my pocket I think they would have followed me anywhere.
We stayed in the park for most of the day and then headed to Durant for a late lunch. When we got home there was a pair of green-winged teal on the pond. So all in all, quite a good day for bird watching!
I hope you enjoyed your Saturday, and I pray you have a blessed Sunday.
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