February was a busy month! LOTS of activity and clients
Tours this month at Lake Hodges Photo Tours felt like a gift—near perfect conditions, only a few weather cancellations, and tons of Grebe activity on the water.
Big thanks to everyone who joined me and to those who left a review. Your feedback helps other bird lovers find these tours and supports the work I do out here.
BUT FIRST
VOLUME UP PLEASE!
I spent years on stage as a musician, but these days most of my “front row seats” are out here on Lake Hodges, watching wildlife perform their own unscripted shows. It’s been quite a journey getting here. The video is a VERY truncated summary of what got me to where I am.
Come and meet the OTHER Brian Caldwell at our performance on March 17th in Escondido.
https://artcenter.org/event/highland-way-featuring-rose-academy-of-irish-dance/
Sometimes the Grebes’ feet are so perfectly synchronized it feels like a choreographed display—each step hitting the surface at the same moment, as if they’ve been practicing for an audience.
Watching that level of coordination up close is one of those “you have to see it to believe it” moments I love sharing on tours.
Even when they’re a little too close, it’s still absolutely exhilarating to watch from just a few feet away. Moments like this are why I never get tired of being out there.
Can you see the shadows of water droplets on their chests?
You can also easily see the size difference between the male and female.
Even the overcast days didn’t discourage the Grebes from their activity. They kept right on rushing, dancing, diving, and calling across the water, proof that the lake often has its own energy, regardless of the weather.
Cloudy or clear, there’s always something happening out here 🙂
I hope you managed to get your Valentine’s Day shot, too. Out on the Lake the Grebes took care of the romance for us.
It looks like the eagles have returned to their old nest from a few years back.
The parents are already busy—on a recent outing with clients we watched one of them fly in with a fish and head straight to the nest. It never gets old seeing that kind of behavior up close.
The recent coyote activity has been offering some great photo opportunities, especially in the early mornings.
This time I opted for a monochrome edit to focus on shape and mood rather than color.
And here’s an update on the Hummingbirds. Even with the handful of torrential rainy days and thunderstorm, 2 successful Allen’s chicks make it through to fledging.
And this was in no small part due to their mother. Here we can see her lean into the nest to feed her chicks, returning again and again with impossibly small, precise deliveries.
Here’s a short slow‑motion video of the chicks being fed. If you watch the very beginning closely, you’ll see one of the chicks make room for the upcoming feeding 😉 It’s a small moment, but it says a lot about how much is happening in just a few seconds.
Round two: Just as the Allen’s fledged I stumbled upon an Anna’s Hummingbird nest. I’m looking forward to monitoring their progress. Never a dull moment at Lake Hodges Photo Tours.
I’d like to send a shout-out to the Redlands Camera Club for graciously inviting me to give a presentation for their members a few days ago. I really enjoyed talking birds, lenses, and Lake Hodges with such a welcoming group. I’m looking forward to seeing some of you in the field and along the shoreline one of these days.
And here’s a reminder of my Website for purchasing my ART. Every print tells a story — Visit my website to see the full collection and find the perfect piece for yourself or someone special this season.
One of my favorite features of my online gallery is the room mockup tool. I know how important it is to feel confident that a piece of art will truly fit your space. With this tool, you can preview any print on a variety of room backgrounds, change the wall color, and even upload a photo of your actual room. It’s a simple way to see how a print will complement your décor before you buy—so you can bring a piece of Lake Hodges home with complete confidence.
If there’s a particular image you’ve seen on my social media or during a tour that isn’t yet available in the shop, just let me know. I’m always happy to upload high-resolution versions and help you find the perfect print for your space.
https://www.lakehodgesphototours.art/shop-art.
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if you’re interested in heading out on the lake or walking the area for photography or videography, I’d love to connect. Please contact me directly by email at Brian@LakeHodgesPhotoTours.com to discuss your interests or to set up a session.
Feel free to share this invitation on your preferred social media platform, and don’t forget to subscribe at the bottom of this page for updates, tips, and the latest wildlife stories from Lake Hodges.
Looking forward to sharing the beauty of Lake Hodges with you!
Until next time
