Lake Merritt is nicknamed the Jewel of Oakland.

I'd say I want to get married right here, but I don't.

It's certainly romantic.

...but on hot days, the shallow ends of the lake get a wee bit fetid.

Which is why there are several fountains strategically placed in the lake, to keep the stinky water circulating.

Lake Merritt has many of these grizzled old trees lining the shore.

...and is home to the oldest wildlife refuge in the North America. Mostly, the wildlife comprises birds.

Usually there are tons of different types of birds out, but today I only saw these guys, who didn't weren't on the shore at all.

They did take over the islands, though.

You can't tell in this small version, but the trees are filled with them, and it was very reminiscent of Hitchcock.

You have to watch out for the Canada geese. They're mean bastards and will gang up on you and chase you down.

This one was very uncooperative

and kept moving away.

There's a platform from which small children can toss the entire cone of birdseed they've bought from the science center, from behind the safety of a stone wall. I don't know what the bear's doing here, but he sure is frightening.

The lake's circled by lights, which are changed for various occasions. My favorite is Pride Week, when they're pink.

Don't I do know what these are, because Mary, who knows all sorts of things we mere mortals don't, told me. Arbutus unedo.

Probably poisonous, though, so I didn't try one. Mary also says they are not poisonous, though not very tasty, regardless of how they look.

One of my favorite fountains is in the center of the park.

I never really looked before, but some of the plaques lining it are rather naughty. (next: Fairyland and the bandshell)