One of seven man-made ponds to recycle water. This one is slowly drying up. The water level in the ponds is controlled to act like a natural marsh, with flooding and drying out periods.
Why are these basins (ponds) here?
The Town of Gilbert gets much of its water from an aquifer, 150 feet down. In the past, this water was used faster than it could be replaced by rainfall. These basins were designed to allow water to seep down into the aquifer, replenishing the groundwater supply.
Why are some basins dry?
Each basin (pond) is cycled thru wet and dry periods so that water will soak into the ground quickly. If water were allowed to stay in the basin too long, algae would start to grow and clog the basins, which would prevent water from seeping into the soil. Every once in a while, the dry basin surface is broken up with a tractor. This process helps the water filter thru the soil and makes the basins look just like freshly plowed agricultural fields.
Turtles on a fallen log on the edge of one pond. Sunning themselves!
This pond shows egrets feeding and the buildings of the city close by. Quite a juxtaposition!
The only bird on this list I haven't seen in Arizona is the burrowing owl.
I think we may have seen all of the shorebirds. Lots of these waders at all of the ponds. Great to see!
There is even a night sky observatory provided by the Rotary club and is open for viewing on the weekends. Awesome!
Gilbert's Southeast Regional Library can be seen in the distance. Water Ranch Lake seen here is permanent and is stocked with fish. Fishing is allowed here.
Momma and baby turtle swimming. A wonderful view of them from a small footbridge thrust the marsh.
Egret posturing to see fish. Just after this photo was taken the egret dipped his head and came up with a little fishy morsel!
No comments:
Post a Comment