First wave of Grebe activity is happening right now!
You can always tell when the first migrating Grebes arrive at Lake Hodges—there’s a sudden uptick in their vocalizations, echoing across the water, day and night! Most photographers don’t realize there are actually two distinct scenarios when grebes rush. The most obvious is during nesting season, when pairs have formed and are preparing to bring in the next generation. These courtship displays are beautifully choreographed and sequential, a true spectacle of nature’s timing and partnership.
The other, less obvious scenario unfolds when migrating grebes first arrive at Lake Hodges. This is when the competition begins—staking claims to mates, nest sites, and prime feeding areas. Unlike the paired courtship rushes, these displays often involve more than two birds, sometimes as many as five, all dashing across the water in a burst of energy.
These group rushes are more frequent but tend to be shorter, full of tension and excitement as the birds sort out their social order. It’s a side of grebe behavior that most photographers miss, but it’s just as fascinating to witness.
The other courtship behavior that’s often overlooked is the passing of fish between potential partners. Here’s a great example of this subtle but meaningful ritual. Interestingly, the Clark’s Grebes seem to be further along in the process this season. This particular pair is likely one of our sedentary residents—staying at Lake Hodges year-round, rather than migrating.
It’s moments like these that reveal just how complex and varied grebe courtship can be.
And talking of fish… If you missed my recent social media posts this month, here’s one of those ‘one in a million’ moments. As I was pressing the shutter on a pair of backlit grebes in the morning mist, a carp breached and photobombed the frame!
I’ve seen plenty of jumping fish over the years, but never managed to catch one in the frame—until now. It only took 12 years. Maybe in another 12, I’ll have one in focus! Sometimes, nature throws you a curveball, and you just have to laugh and enjoy the surprise.
The other notable encounter this month was with one of our local Great Blue Herons. This bird definitely bit off more than it could chew—literally! I watched for over an hour as it battled, in vain, to try and get this massive catfish down. In the end, it simply gave up.
Nature doesn’t always go as planned, even for the experts.
Maybe one of the local coyotes got a lucky meal later that day.
While we’re talking coyotes… This season, there have DEFINITELY been more around Lake Hodges. Maybe it’s the new development in the adjacent valleys, or maybe the low water has opened up more habitat for hunting and hunkering down each day. Whatever the reason, they’ve become a regular part of my morning routine.
Coyotes are great fun to photograph—predictable in their patterns, but always with a bit of wild unpredictability in their eyes. Every encounter is a reminder of how adaptable and resilient these animals are.
And with the shorter days and the sun rising further to the south, sunrise season is definitely upon us at Lake Hodges. This was taken just this morning—the sky lit up in a way that only happens this time of year, painting the water with those incredible reds and oranges.
There’s something about these crisp, early mornings that makes every outing feel like a fresh start. If you’ve never experienced a Lake Hodges sunrise, now’s the time.
I’m excited to share that I’ll be hosting a special birding outing in partnership with The San Diego Bird Alliance and The Friends of Lake Hodges. As one of the founding board members of The Friends of Lake Hodges, I’ve spent years exploring and documenting the incredible diversity of wildlife our lake has to offer. This outing is a chance to experience Lake Hodges through the eyes of a local guide and photographer, with a focus on both common and rarely-seen bird species.
And with the Holiday Season well and truly upon us, 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
