Grebe Chicks!!
What an incredible month it’s been! First, I’d like to put a big shout out to all of you that were able to join me for the grebe chick extravaganza. There are still active nests so this should continue for a least a couple of more weeks. Here are some of the highlights.
When the chicks fist hatch, the parents feed them very small items, including feathers.
There’s not just one chick under there 🙂 But when it comes to photography, sometimes less is more.Â
The trick to seeing chicks, is waiting for a parent to bring in a fish. As the chicks grow, they require more and more sustenance. The parents are very much the ‘modern parents’, each parent taking turns at fishing and babysitting.
Grebe chicks will do their best at swallowing anything. Sometimes, when a fish is too big, the parents will smash the fish against the water to break it into smaller pieces. This can continue for some time. In one such feeding attempt, one set of parents worked on one fish for close to 40 minutes!
Why do we spend so much time photographing grebe chicks? One word – CUTE!
Unlike many other nesting bird species, grebes are precocial, not unlike chickens. As soon as they hatch and dry off, they are independent can swim immediately. Obviously they choose to spend most of the first few weeks in the safety of their parents’ backs. Also a good place to be when you’ve not yet learned how to fish. Occassionally you’ll catch a chick transfer from one parent to the other.
Watching and photographing this year’s nesting season has been a priviledge. Here in Southern California, it can be a very unpredictable event. Water levels, winter rain amounts, inclement weather, fish die offs, and other factors can, and have in the past adversely affected nesting.Â
So far this season has been wonderful.
What most people don’t yet know is that all the grebe chick footage from this season did not come from Lake Hodges. I spent most of this season at another of the local reservoirs. This Google maps bird’s eye photograph outlines why. The historical nesting areas of Lake Hodges are currently dry. A mandate by The State of Califronia and subsequent action by the City of San Diego has brought the Lake to it’s current level, 40′ below the spillway. Another disturbing result of the lower water is the increased fire danger. If you look closely at the picture, there is a huge area of dead vegetation between the freeway and the water line, that by the end of the year is a huge tinderbox. This is an issue which myself and other concerned individuals are trying to address. If you’d like to get involved, please follow this link, Raise Lake HodgesÂ
Finally. This is not around Lake Hodges. I’m currently doing some recon in another continent. Here’s a clue, this bird is a tad bigger than a turkey vulture…. I’ll tell you all about it next month….. 🙂
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.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
