April has arrived with LOTS of Spring time activity
I can’t lie, I LOVE this time of year. There is so much activity to watch, and document. Everything from Quail to Bobcats, Coyotes to Peregrines.Â
A quick shout out to those that came to the California Center for the Arts for the St. Patrick’s Day show with my Band Highland Way. What a show, what a great time 🙂
But now back to another of my favorite activities, documenting wildlife, and leading those who’d like to join me. Â
First things first: it has begun.
If you’ve never witnessed this, now’s your chance. Each year, as soon as the nesting pair of Peregrine Falcons’ eggs hatch, the entire cliff comes alive. The adults waste no time—warnings are dispatched to any birds that have the misfortune to fly too close to the nest, especially unsuspecting Pelicans drifting by.
Over the next couple of months, I’ll be heading down several times to watch this unfold. If you’d like to experience this with a guide—up close, with a camera in hand—let me know and we’ll coordinate a time.
There are two distinct phases to this annual drama:
before fledging, when the adults are fiercely defending the nest and feeding the chicks, and after fledging, when the young falcons test their wings and learn to hunt. Both are incredible in their own way.
If you’re interested in joining me for one of these outings, just drop me a line and I’ll send details on dates, times, and what to bring.
Back at Lake Hodges our local bobcat has been making regular appearances.
It’s never guaranteed, but lately the odds have been in our favor. If you’d like to come out and try your luck at seeing this beautiful cat in the wild, let me know and I’ll keep you posted on upcoming outings.
It’s official: this March was the hottest March on record for San Diego County, and the local snakes have definitely noticed. I’ve been seeing more activity along the trails, including this small but striking ring-necked snake.
They’re a great reminder that Lake Hodges isn’t just about birds—there’s a whole world of reptiles, mammals, and other wildlife sharing this landscape. As always, I photograph, admire, and then give them space to go about their lives.
A few days ago I had to relocate this small Southern Pacific Rattlesnake. They’re fantastic for local rodent control, but I prefer not to have them right on the property—it’s far too easy to accidentally step on one.
Handled carefully, photographed respectfully, and moved to a safer spot where it can keep doing its job in the ecosystem.
If you don’t know, the west side of Lake Hodges was once designated as a California Quail preserve. Judging by the numbers we’re seeing now, it clearly worked.
Lately the males have been loudly announcing their presence—calling from the brush, dashing across the trails, and reminding us how much life this landscape supports.
With the early heat, we’ve already had a couple of monarchs laying eggs on our milkweed. Now I’m just hoping the milkweed can grow faster than the caterpillars can eat it…
Nature is definitely running ahead of schedule this year.
And yes, there is still plenty of grebe courtship activity out here. Pairs are dancing, calling, and staking out territory, but I’m still patiently waiting for those first nests and chicks to appear. Fingers crossed—it’s always one of my favorite moments of the season.
Round two: an update on the Anna’s Hummingbird nest.
During the last week of nesting, there was only one chick in the nest, so it’s hard to know exactly what happened to the other. It may have fledged early, or it may have become a meal for one of our local predators. Nature isn’t always pretty, but it is always real—and moments like this are part of the story out here at Lake Hodges. At least one made it.Â
And the local coyotes have been enjoying the early morning rays, taking advantage of the cooler hours to move, hunt, and warm up before the heat of the day sets in.
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.
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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.
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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.
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https://www.lakehodgesphototours.art/shop-art.Â
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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
