SAN DIEGO — Grebes have been nesting at Lake Hodges for decades, but several years ago the lake level dropped and there was a question about whether they'd come back.
The lake level has settled in, and they have returned — and they have been very successful.
Brian Caldwell has been on Lake Hodges for over 30 years, the past 10 as a nature photographer with Lake Hodges Photo Tours.
"I'm pleasantly surprised, I didn't think we'd see them for many years if at all," Caldwell said. "The fact that we have Grebes nesting means the population has bounced back. Grebes nesting is a great thing."
The reason Caldwell is surprised is because of a dramatic drop in the water level on the lake several years ago. That destroyed most of the Grebes' nesting areas. Now, with the lake stabilized, he says the nests have returned.
"At the peak of the season when I counted, there were approximately 80 nests. Of those 80 nests, 25% of them were able to make it all the way through."
Grebes are distinctive in their look and mating rituals and that's what attracts birders from around the world.
"They have these beautiful red eyes, and they have a courtship routine where run across the surface of the water," Caldwell said.
That continues with the weed dance, where the pair will dive to the bottom and then dance together sharing the weeds. But really the best part is when the chicks arrive.
"They have these beautiful little chicks, and I don't use this word often, but they are cute because they sit on the backs of the parents for the first 3-4 weeks," Caldwell said.
Caldwell and those that care for Lake Hodges are excited.
"We're really happy, I'm happy," Caldwell said. "I've posted things on social media and I'm getting a lot of feedback that people are stoked."
It shows that if given a chance, Mother Nature will find a way.
"A healthy ecosystem," Caldwell said. "It's bouncing back, it's doing what it's meant to do, it's being resilient, it's great."
Lake Hodges is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
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