Kirby Lake
| Kirby Lake | |
|---|---|
| Location | Abilene, Texas |
| Coordinates | 32°22′35.34″N 99°44′4.46″W / 32.3764833°N 99.7345722°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Built | 1928 |
| Surface area | 740 acres |
| Max. depth | 16 feet |
Kirby Lake is a 740-acre man-made reservoir located on the south side of Abilene, Texas, just east of Highway 83, in the north-eastern portion of Taylor County. Management is under the City of Abilene.[1]
Geography
It was impounded in 1928 and has a maximum depth of 16 feet.[1] The surrounding area is mainly prairies with loamy soil. The lake is part of the Colorado River Basin (Texas), Brazos forks.[2]
Angling
Kirby Lake is a popular lake for fishing, in particular blue or other catfishes, as well as bluegill. Like most lakes in the region, there are also largemouth bass, carp, white crappie and other fishes living in the waters.[1] Most people fish directly from the banks rather than using a boat.[3]
Wildlife
The lake is known for a number of bird species, including pectoral sandpiper, cactus wren, Baird's sandpiper and the more rare long-tailed jaeger, red knot and red phalarope, as well as others. Pyrrhuloxia, scarlet tanager and various waterfowl can also be seen in the spring and fall migrations.[4]
The entire region is known for its diversity in butterflies and the greatest variety can be found at Kirby Lake. Pipevine swallowtail, sleepy orange, Reakirt's blue, Horace's duskywing, tawny emperor, common buckeye, sachem and others.[5]
References
- ^ a b c "Kirby Lake".
- ^ Alvarez, Elizabeth Cruce (2012). Texas Almanac 2012-2013. Texas State Historical Association - University of North Texas. ISBN 978-0-87611-247-2. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
- ^ "Kirby Lake popular with local anglers". Abilene Reporter-News. March 12, 2011. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
- ^ Foster, Jim (2011). Birding Trails Texas: Prairies and Pineywoods, Panhandle, 216 Trails for the Avid Birder. Sandhill Crane Press. p. 47. ISBN 978-1-932098-90-7. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
- ^ Wauer, Roland H. (2006). Finding Butterflies in Texas: A Guide to the Best Sites. Johnson Books / Big Earth Publishing. pp. 48–50. ISBN 1-55566-366-4. Retrieved April 29, 2013.