Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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Grace O'Malley wrote, "I was at The Sea Ranch Ohlson Barn near dusk and observed two pairs of turkeys engaged in battles.  I learned from the internet that in the fall, male turkey flocks (collectively called bachelors or mobs) are full of squabbles, dominance displays, even fights - all establishing who is at the top of the literal pecking order.  One turkey had inserted his beak and part of his face down the opposing turkey’s throat, and they wrestled in that position for minutes."

"I tried to break them up and they just ignored me." Here is Grace's video of the fight.

Two male Wild Turkeys fighting - video by Grace O'Malley

Usually the Tom Turkeys are slowly moving around, strutting their beautiful feathers. It's interesting to know this fight for dominance goes on in the autumn.

Thanks to Grace for allowing me to share her photo and video with you here.

Another clear, mild day, temps in the mid-sixties. The horizon is clear this afternoon so there might be a green flash at sunset!

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Mike Reinhart recently spotted two Gray Foxes at The Sea Ranch. I thought this close-up of one of the Gray Foxes was quite wonderful. In the second photo, I think the fox is smirking!

 

Thanks to Mike for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

A spectacular clear day today, temps in the mid 60s. Some clouds are drifting by this afternoon, giving the possibility of an exceptional sunset tonight!

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Black Phoebes are insect eaters so this flycatcher Michele Melio photographed might be on the lookout for a passing bug.

Black Phoebes make their nests out of mud so they need to be close to a water source. Those who reside year round here have the Pacific Ocean, a handful of rivers, and many seasonal creeks for their needs. They have a whistling call that you can hear at this link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black_Phoebe/sounds

Here is a closeup of a Black Phoebe, this one taken by Craig Tooley.

Thanks to Michele and Craig for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

It's a cool, sunny day. Fog covered the Pacific Ocean for a while and there are some clouds passing by. Dry weather is predicted through the weekend, with rain the first of the week.

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Bill Mabie and Denise Mendoza had a fun sighting. Bill wrote, “A few days ago Denise and I were looking out the window and wow, we see a Bobcat!  Awesome!!

It barely moves and a Deer arrives. There is a conflict with the beefy cat and the Deer. The Deer then stomps at the ground and scares off the Bobcat!”

Interesting to know that a Bobcat can be chased off by a Deer.

Thanks to Bill for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

We had sprinkles overnight, but today has been bright and sunny. The surf is high, though, so if you are at the ocean, be careful of sneaker waves.