Lake Hodges Rescue

Yesterday, Gail and I thought we would do a short hike at Lake Hodges, as she had some business to take care of in nearby Escondido.  Sometimes, when you don't expect much, you have very pleasant surprises. Yesterday was such a day.

The mustard covered hillside reflecting on the lake.

A zoomed in view.

Three Western Grebes rushing.  The rushing is now infrequent compared to a couple months ago.

A male fence lizard claiming his territory.

With the good rains this winter the rabbit population seems to be booming.

This was the first Bald Eagle that Gail and I have seen in San Diego County - we were excited as it lazily cruised high over the water.

The young grebe on the right was begging non stop from its parent, making quite a noise until one of the parents brought it a fish.

The water was the color of the reflection from the hillsides - mustard green.

A parent bringing a fish to its young.

 Whoa, you've got a fish for me!

Mmm, I want it now!

There, now are you happy!

Another fish hand off.

This is where our adrenaline kicked in, and our training paid off.

From about 30 feet away, we saw this very still Snowy Egret out in the water standing on some floating reeds.  I pointed out to Gail that there was fishing tackle in a nearby tree.  When she looked, she could see the line running to its left foot (her eyes are sharper).

The line was wrapped around its foot numerous times and around the reeds under it.  I waded into the water and tried to gently pull the line towards shore with the egret.  Much to our dismay, the line snapped, and the egret started flapping and moving itself and the floating debris it was still tied to further from shore.  Without hesitation, we waded out to the bird, and I threw a shirt over its head and back and got control of the wings.  Gail went to work with my pocket knife and cut the tangle in numerous places to free the bird.  Its foot looked good, considering the tight constriction.  We brought it up to land, pulled off the shirt, and off it flew, going about a half mile down the lake before we saw it disappear into the trees.  What a good feeling we had - a successful rescue and release!  This egret would have died if we hadn't taken a good look where that fishing line was going.  Birds in trouble often appear totally normal, as looking sick or injured makes them easy prey.

 Gail showing off that lethal fishing tackle.  Notice how deep she waded in - she forgot her cell phone was in her pants pocket.  The water came right up to the bottom of her phone.

Same for me, although I was conscious of my phone, and knew I was at the depth limit.

This has been an amazing year with the rain.  Here, a waterfall is still running, although it has been several weeks since the last significant rain.

 We came to an area of the lake with a lot of submerged bushes and trees.  We labeled it Grebe City, as many grebes have moved to this area due to the rising lake level, and are continuing to nest at this new spot.  We think many of the nests from a couple months ago were ruined by the quickly rising lake level.

A grebe tending an egg or eggs in its nest.  

Also of note:  we saw countless snake trails crossing our path, but never saw a snake.  Maybe next week!