The summer is winding down, wild fires abound around the state, and the fall migrations are beginning. One of the first to arrive are the Belted Kingfishers
I’ve seen at least 2 males and a female while out doing my fishing line removal patrols. I also watched 2 kestrels, a male and a female, harassing one of the kingfishers. They are easy to spot since both species have very distinct vocalizations.
And with the weather changing, there are often fantastic photo opps. This particular Western Grebe looked like it was suspended in a white cloud.
This season I’m not the only one to have seen more of these brown colored Mantis than the more common green colored. Any entomologists out there know why?
This month included International Vulture Awareness Day, (IVAD) and I was very pleased to announce that San Diego Zoo’s Podcast, Amazing Wildlife, featured my wife Kim Caldwell. A very informative podcast highlighting some of the misconceptions of Vultures and how they play a very important role in all ecosystems. Take a listen when you’ve some time. https://www.audible.com/pd/B0DJ337Z9V?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=podcast_episode_detail
Because I photograph Grebes so much, it’s not unexpected that I’ve garnered a fair amount of knowledge about their behavior. A Grebe that is not bobbing around on the water always gets my attention.
I know that there is definitely something wrong when I can get this close without the bird even flinching
Maneuvering the canoe around the bird had no effect. Only when I moved within less than 4’ of the bird did it finally crawl off the rock, which is when I saw it had an issue with one of its legs. There’s no knowing what the problem is but seeing this invigorates me in my role in removing discarded fishing line from the Lake along with the rest of the Kayaking for the Birds volunteers.
I collected a whole shopping bag of fishing line over a meagre 100 yards of shoreline! With the Lake level relatively low, lots of previously submerged rocks and sticks that snag lines are exposed, so it’s a great time to remove any line. Less line = less potential bird casualties. And this is just 1 bag of line. 2 other bags of trash accompanied this to the dumpster.
The Friends of Lake Hodges Fundraiser was a resounding success. The funds generated insure that we have enough insurance for our Kayaking for the Birds volunteer program. Thank you to all that attended and donated, especially considering the exceptionally hot temperature.
And lastly…. drum roll please ;)…. I made the paper! Thanks to Ernie Cowan Outdoors and California Watchable Wildlife for a wonderful article. A little bit of back story on what brought me to Lake Hodges https://enewspaper.sandiegouniontribune.com/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=f61487b2-20df-4c45-ad1f-60f05d94bf48&share=true
Please contact me directly by email if interested in heading out on the Lake or walking the area for any photography or videography. The Lake has only a limited number of days each week / season open for boating. Walking and hiking is accessible any day, 365 days a year. Feel free to share on your preferred Social Media, and subscribe at the foot of this page.
Until next month
