Monthly Archives: September 2018

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A group of subadult Gray Whales that didn't migrate to the Bering Sea has been seen off of the Mendonoma coast regularly this summer. Paul Brewer photographed a few off his home in Gualala.

You see a tail, a flipper, and the head and back with the remnants of the blow.

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/

We are having autumn-like weather, with lots of clouds scurrying across the sky. It's quite lovely.

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Put clouds together with a sunset or sunrise and you have the perfect prescription for beauty in the sky. Last night's sunset was breathtaking. I took this from our deck - you can see the sun just setting on the right. No green flash, as there were clouds on the horizon.

Once the sun had set, here's a look at those beautiful clouds.

This morning didn't disappoint either. While the colors of sunrises are fleeting, they can be just as lovely in their own way.

This afternoon clouds have poured in, along with strong breezes. It feels like Autumn here on the Mendonoma coast!

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The small green (usually green) treefrog we see on the Mendonoma coast is called a Sierran Treefrog. Dan Lewis had one hiding out in his BBQ and it looks like the treefrog was in the process of changing from green to a rusty red.

Dan wrote, “This little guy loves to hide under our BBQ cover on our back deck at Enchanted Meadows. The deck is over six feet off the ground. I have placed the frog into the garden or in the bushes five times now, and he keeps coming back. I have to make sure it’s not in the BBQ before I light it up.”

Sierran Treefrogs are excellent climbers. They have suction-like cups on the ends of their fingers and toes. Here's a photo John Shiu took of a treefrog showing its fingers.

Peggy Berryhill got a surprise while at Gualala Point Regional Park recently. She reached out to get a bag for her dog's waste. When she pulled the bag out, she found a little treefrog.

Thanks to Dan, John and Peggy for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Karen Wilkinson recently photographed a Harbor Seal eating an Octopus.

The Harbor Seal looks pretty happy about it too!

Here is one of my favorite photos of Harbor Seals, which was taken by Siegfried Matull some years ago. These two came up under kelp - and they look like they are wearing crowns of seaweed.

Thanks to Karen and Siegfried for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

Another beautiful day here on the Mendonoma coast. Even Point Arena, notoriously foggy during the summer months, is seeing nothing but sunshine!

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Craig Tooley photographed this native plant several weeks ago. It's called Twinberry, Lonicera involucrata.

The dark "twin" berries are encircled by maroon bracts, giving them quite a distinctive look. The berries are said to be terribly bitter, so we'll just enjoy their beauty on the bush.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website:

The fog pulled back in the Gualala/Anchor Bay area today, and we are having a lovely day with gentle breezes. sigh...