LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Redbud Audubon Society has received a grant for $13,000 from the National Audubon Society’s “Audubon in Action” program.

The grant will be used to purchase drone equipment, pay for permitting and license fees for the drone, fund participation from local high schools — Upper Lake and Lower Lake — and Robinson Rancheria.

Funds from the grant will also pay for manuscript preparation and for other equipment.

The drone will be used to monitor Western and Clark's grebe nesting colonies on different areas of Clear Lake.

The Redbud Audubon Society spearheaded a program for almost 10 years of monitoring colonies which resulted in a research paper written by biologist Dr. Floyd Hayes of Pacific Union College.

The current grant will enable Redbud Audubon to continue tracking the activities of the local nesting colonies that are prevalent around Clear Lake.

Western and Clark's grebes are an iconic species of Clear Lake.

They are a fascinating bird with entrancing mating habits, like “rushing” across the water in pairs, bobbing their heads and offering water weeds to their prospective mates.

After the babies are hatched they climb on their parents’ backs and head out into the water of Clear Lake to bring delight to those lucky enough to see them.

The Redbud Audubon Society is the oldest conservation organization in Lake County. It was founded in 1976 by a group of citizens here who appreciated the abundant bird life both on Clear Lake but in all areas of the county.

The society holds monthly Zoom program meetings from September through April and also hosts monthly field trips during that time.

The society’s website is www.redbudaudubon.org. New members and volunteers are always welcome.

Roberta Lyons is the vice president of the Redbud Audubon Society.