The Grebe: A Clear Lake Health Indicator

The Western and Clark’s Grebes are two key bird species found in Clear Lake, known for nesting in colonies on floating nests. Grebes are extremely sensitive to environmental changes, which makes them ideal indicators of Clear Lake’s overall health. Redbud Audubon Society President Donna Mackiewicz recently led a presentation exploring the impact of pesticide use on Clear Lake’s fauna and the grebes, “Long-term Variation in Breeding Population.” Restoration efforts over the past 60 years have been promising and allowed bird populations to rebound, highlighting Clear Lake's effective environmental restoration initiatives, and underscoring the critical importance of continued monitoring of grebes for Lake County’s ecological future.

Tracking grebe populations in Clear Lake has been costly and time-consuming, requiring the use of boats or canoes to count nests, adult birds, and chicks, resulting in inconsistent surveys. Consistent long-term monitoring is crucial to understanding how restoration projects, climate change, fluctuating water levels, and human activities, such as boating and fishing, affect grebes. This data is vital for protecting the birds and ensuring Clear Lake's overall health. Gathering accurate information will guide decisions that protect Clear Lake from pollution and invasive species, safeguarding its ecosystem for future generations. Visit the “Continuous High-Resolution In-Lake Monitoring Program at Clear Lake” report to learn more.

At the August 2024 Clear Lake Integrated Science Symposium (CLISS), Pacific Union College (PUC) biology professor Scott Butterfield highlighted the importance of grebe monitoring, a topic of particular focus for him and fellow PUC Professor Floyd Hayes. The Blue Ribbon Committee for the Rehabilitation of Clear Lake and the National Audubon Society’s Audubon in Action program approved over $300,000 in grant funding to develop a grebe monitoring program at Clear Lake which will provide valuable insights into Clear Lake's ongoing restoration efforts. Monitoring grebes is critical for both wildlife preservation and effective environmental management in Lake County. Watch the “Monitor Grebes” presentation from the CLISS 2024 Playlist here.

The grebe monitoring project is a collaborative effort involving various local partners, such as the Redbud Audubon Society and Upper Lake and Lower Lake High Schools. The approved project will include close collaboration with many tribal environmental groups, such as the Robinson Rancheria and Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians. This combined effort will engage local communities in conservation and foster environmental awareness and stewardship across Lake County. By involving high schools, tribal groups, and local stakeholders, the approved project will both strengthen community ties and empower them to protect Clear Lake's environmental health for future generations.

One of the main innovations of this project is the use of modern technologies such as drones, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence to track grebe populations. These tools will reduce the time and expense traditionally associated with manual boat surveys. By integrating these new methods, local high school and PUC students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on research, contributing to Clear Lake’s conservation while gaining valuable experience. This approach aligns well with Lake County Water Resources Department’s purpose to restore, conserve, and advocate as stewards of Lake County's watersheds.

Angela DePalma-Dow, Invasive Species Program Coordinator with the Lake County Water Resources Department, was a key planner of the successful August 2024 CLISS. DePalma-Dow remarks, “the approved project is instrumental, and it will provide valuable skills and tools for local students and tribal members.”