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We have a large colony of Western and Clark's Grebes at Lake Hodges. They display an unusual mating ritual called "Rushing", which is very photogenic. Attached are a few examples obtained this year. Rushing is very active in Dec through Feb and then slows a bit into the Spring. There is still a fair amount of activity the rest of the year.
Nesting sites at Lake Hodges are poor since the Grebes build floating nests attached to reeds and trees in the water near the shore. The water level at Lake Hodges is low due to problems at the dam, so there are essentially no nest sites this year or last. I am not sure how long the Grebe colony will remain given that situation.
I was disheartened to read about the water level, as had planned to head down there later this year to shoot the chicks. Looks like that might not happen.
kdacharya wrote:
David these are amazing. What an experience this must have been.
Thanks KD. The Grebes are amazing. We are lucky to have them in the area.
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Fred Amico wrote:
Terrific set, Dave!
I was disheartened to read about the water level, as had planned to head down there later this year to shoot the chicks. Looks like that might not happen.
Thanks Fred. The Grebe colony is having a difficult time with nesting sites. We will know in a few weeks whether they establish any successful nests. It does not look good to me. Last year there were zero. If there is any good result I will post a follow up.
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louie champan wrote:
Excellent images Dave very nicely done.
Thanks Louie.
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armd wrote:
Fantastic images Dave and if one hasn't witnessed a "rush" well, it is a rush. Definitely recommend.
Thanks and I endorse the recommendation.
There are a bunch of grebes that hang out in the marsh lands near Oceanside. Our grebes don't start rushing until May in central Oregon. Excellent shots
These are marvelous Dave. I do hope the dam issues get corrected. I have visited Hodges numerous time's over the years, I have never managed to get there during mating season I have done a lot of trail running there
I have done a lot of trail running there 