One of the most fascinating aspects of Mono Lake are the tufa towers. These rock formations are made of calcium carbonate (limestone), but they did not form from ancient, compacted seashells like other limestone. The towers grew under water before the lake level dropped when calcium in the underwater springs reacted with the carbonates (soda) in the lake water. These towers are often used as nesting areas for ospreys, swallows and other birds. Mono Lake tufa information
These flies are very strange! They live in the alkaline water of Mono Lake as larvae and pupae. They eat the algae in the water and lay their eggs on the rocks. The native Kutzadika'a people (the name means "fly-eaters') ate the pupae of these flies because they are high in protein and fat. Can you imagine eating fly pupa stew!? The adult flies swarm along the surface of the water and on the edge of the shore. If you wave your hand above them, they will fly a few inches above the surface and then quickly land. These insects are an important food source for numerous birds. California gulls are especially fond of them!
Brine shrimp, brine fly larvae and pupae, and green algae are the only organisms that can survive the harsh conditions of the saline water of Mono Lake. These organisms are a very important food source for many species of birds, including California Gulls.
