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. MORE: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/outreach/earth8/lake-hodges-grebes-return/509-7a75a262-bc55-4325-aa0f-13c153c624e7