This past week or so, Brown Pelicans have been seen in breeding plumage. Their heads are dusted in yellow and their gular pouch - their throat pouch - has turned orange/red. Kate Bloch got this photo of a Brown Pelican in the Gualala River, which shows you this transition.

These breeders will head south to their traditional breeding grounds, which are West Anacapa and Santa Barbara islands. Birders wonder if they will expand their breeding grounds northward, perhaps even the Mendonoma Coast. We’ll be watching!

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

Since Nov. 16th we've had 2.74 inches of rain and the season to date is 12.74. Mushrooms are popping up seemingly everywhere! We've had a nice wet start this year. But now we take a pause and the forecast is clear of any storms through Thanksgiving. This afternoon is bright sunshine after some residual cloud, though it's on the cool side in the mid 50's.