Wild Rhododendrons are in bloom on the Mendonoma Coast now and what a delight it is to see their lovely blooms. They begin blooming in April and peak in early May. This is prime time to see them! I took this photo yesterday right along Highway One at Salt Point State Park. These plants are protected by law - it is illegal to sell them. The Pacific Northwest has ideal growing conditions for wild Rhododendrons and I feel so fortunate to have some growing on the land where we live in Anchor Bay.
When Rick and I drove into The Sea Ranch yesterday for our birding outing, there in front of a house were these three Jackrabbits. They didn't run and hide when we stopped so I could take a picture. So, who was looking at whom?
One of my favorite birds, the majestic Brown Pelicans, have been seen in the past several days migrating north. While thousands of Loons are speedily flying by every day, the much slower and bigger Brown Pelicans seem to have gravitas. These birds were nearly made extinct by the pesticide DDT decades ago so their recovery is heartwarming. I took this photo this morning on the bluffs at Sea Ranch while bird watching with Rick and others. The early morning was windless and warm - just spectacular. This flock flew over our heads. May the Brown Pelicans live long and prosper!
Yesterday Carolyn André photographed these Sea Stacks near Elk off the Mendocino Coast. Sea Stacks used to be a part of the cliffs or headlands. Waves and wind erode the softer parts of the rock leaving the harder, more resistant rock behind. You can say they are created by Mother Nature - and she does such beautiful work! I thank Carolyn for this lovely photo and I post it here in honor of her friend, Daphne.
