What an exciting April it’s been
The Grebes have been busy, and I’ve spotted a few active nests, so there’s a good likelihood of seeing chicks this season. Unlike the good old days, when there were hundreds of nests, I’ve only spotted approximately a dozen this time around. If you’d like to join me, please let me know as soon as possible. Things could start happening as early as tomorrow, but more likely next weekend.
With preening being so instinctual it looks like this male Western Grebe simply forgot that he now needs to also negotiate a chick on board.
A few of the nests I’ve been watching have a very good line of sight so I’m hoping to catch more moments like this.
The other set of chicks I’ve been watching are growing fast. The first phase of the annual drama is winding down, and with the chicks only a few days from fledging, the parents will soon stop defending the nest from wayward pelicans and shift their focus to teaching the young ones the art of flight.
This week may be the last chance to catch the action shown above.
You can get a good idea of how long it’ll be before they fledge by taking a look at their plumage. The tail feathers on this bird are a great indicator. This is one of the things I love most about spending time with birds — every stage tells a story if you take the time to notice it.
It really does look like one of the youngsters is showing off to the others, and moments like this are part of what makes spring and early summer so rewarding to photograph. If you enjoy these little wildlife stories as much as I do, I’d love for you to have a closer look.
And while waiting for the Peregrine action, there are plenty of other birds to photograph. The Whimbrels have not yet left on their northern migration, and like the Peregrines, they are very desensitized to people, so photographing them is quite easy.
The waves roll in and out, and the Whimbrel follows — that’s when the feeding is best.
Don’t forget to look around you, you never know what may also be going down….
A previous osprey had left the remains of a kill on the beach, and with virtually every scavenger having had a go at it, I wondered why an osprey would return for scraps. My best guess is that at this time of year birds are often drawn to foods rich in calcium for egg production and laying.
Case in point. Around Lake Hodges, whenever it rains, snails appear all over the trails, and many birds dine on them to increase their calcium intake for nesting.
The local Red-tailed hawks may take a snail but more likely something a little bigger. The chicks are growing fast.
Meanwhile, male California Quail can be found vocalizing in the morning
But what are the odds of it being cool enough in Southern California in April to actually SEE this… a vocalizing male California Quail with its breath hanging in the morning air?
This was Lake Hodges at first light – it’s small moments like this you’ll never forget.
Not to be outdone, Wile E. figured that his breath is just as cool 🙂
Watching hummingbirds at work is truly amazing. The bird and the flower are, quite literally, the result of millennia of evolution.
Finally, I’d like to put a shout out to all the volunteers that braved the wet and windy weather to make the Friends of Lake Hodges Earth Day Cleanup a resounding success.
Thanks to all our volunteers, sponsors, participants and board members. No Rain, no rainbows 🙂
Mother’s Day is just around the corner… so 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 on the site, 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
