artesdecobo

Mitchell Lake is a small 600 acre lake within the city limits of the southern part of San Antonio, Texas. The Mitchell family of San Antonio owned the lake in the 19th century and used it for waterfowl hunting. The city purchased the lake in 1901 for waste management, and as early as the 1970s, efforts began to protect the lake and its significant bird population.

Used for years as a waste management center for the city, the site has more recently fallen under San Antonio Water System control. In 2004, the National Audubon Society entered into a lease with San Antonio Water System to manage the 1,200-acre site encompassing the lake. The lake is beloved by birdwatchers who enjoy the sights of many species of birds that live around the lake or migrate through.

Similar to Bosque Del Apache in New Mexico, a grid of polders separated by earthen dams allow vehicle or foot traffic visitors to meander through the property at the north end of the main lake.

During my short day visit in early 2022, I imaged Great Egrets, Turkey Vultures, White-faced Ibis, Coots, Greater Yellowlegs, Black-necked Stilts, and various flycatchers. But for me, the Snowy Egrets, especially those fishing, stole the show. Here are ten photos of those beautiful egrets, all shot from my truck window. Enjoy.

Bubba

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UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Outstanding set, Bubba! You manage the whites so well. Nice to see my home town managing something right.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Great captures!

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Very nice, Bubba! Time well spent! I've spent considerable time in San Antonio, but didn't know about this lake. So thanks for the info!!

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Excellent set Bubba. Well done.

artesdecobo

Thank you very much, Mike. I suspected you would enjoy seeing these. I grew up on the south side of San Antonio
a few miles from the lake and as a kid would occasionally ride my bicycle there to shoot at turtles with my .22 rifle. When the winds were from the wrong direction, the smell was pretty bad, and the lake had a bad reputation. It is much better these days.

Bubba

artesdecobo

Thank you, Barbara.

Bubba

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

I grew up in University Park off Culebra Road and we went out near the airport to shoot. This was the '50s so no one worried about guns near planes.

artesdecobo

Thanks, Chief.

If you visit San Antonio again and go there, you must make a reservation for admittance. You might get lucky and get in on-site, but they do restrict the number of visitors, so best to make a reservation in advance. Plus, the park is only open during certain hours so check that as well before you go. Fees are $5 per adult ($3 for military).

https://mitchelllake.audubon.org/visit/plan

Let me know when you are in town.

Bubba

artesdecobo

That is hilarious. These days we would probably be arrested as terrorists.

Bubba

artesdecobo

Thank you very much, Brian.

Bubba

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Great set Bubba

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Really enjoyed these Bubba.

artesdecobo

Thank you so much, Frank.

Bubba

artesdecobo

Thanks, Jack. Glad you liked them.

Bubba