Lake Hodges: An Important Bird Area Many of us gathered at Lake
Hodges on 15 April for dedication and recognition of the lake
and its surroundings as a "globally important bird area," by
criteria defined by the American Bird Conservancy and National
Audubon Society. Dick Barber and Wayne Pray were the key people
gathering and compiling the data on the California Gnatcatcher
population qualifying the lake at this level, and the Palomar
Audubon Society sponsored the application. Bob Barnes of
California Audubon presided over the even, which brought
together a divers group supporting the lake's value to birds,
including San Diego councilwoman Barbara Warden, former
Escondido mayor Jerry Harmon, California Audubon executive
director Dan Taylor, and San Diego reservoir superintendent and
key atlas supporter Jim Brown. grasshopper Sparrows serenaded
the ceremony, and the most sensational attendee was the Poor-
will, spotted by Clark Mahrdt and a new species for the lakes
list, that sat in plain view on an exposed ro