Sara Bogard photographed a newborn Harbor Seal pup getting a caress from its mother.

You can see the pup is already in the water. Harbor Seal mothers give birth on land, in secluded coves. There is a nursery off The Sea Ranch where you can observe the seals without disturbing them. Docents are on duty to make sure the vulnerable pups are left alone. We never want to disturb wildlife - do no harm is a great motto.

Please don't try to "rescue" a pup. Call the Marine Mammal Center if you find an animal in distress. They will send a trained local volunteer to assess the situation. The number for the Center is 415) 289-7325. Their website is: http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/

Thanks to Sara for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

Nothing but beautiful sunshine on the Mendonoma coast today! 70 degrees...wow.