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!
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.
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.
Mike Reinhart and his wife were taking a walk on The Sea Ranch when they came across two Gray Foxes lounging in the sun. One fox took off but this one stayed for his closeup. Or her closeup.
It's fun to see the beautiful markings on this healthy-looking Gray Fox. He/she must be living lightly on the land!
Thanks to Mike for allowing me to share his photos with you here.
It was sunny this morning but clouds are pouring in, with a chance of some showers. Then we have what looks to be a dry spell for about a week.
Ron Bolander found these interesting-looking ducks in the lagoon of the Gualala River several weeks ago. Bird experts identified the bird on the left as a Northern Shoveler, the one in the middle as a probably Northern Shoveler, and the bird on the right as a Northern Pintail. Yes, birding is NOT for sissies!
Northern Shovelers have that distinctive spoon-shaped bill. They are dabbling ducks and we see the non-breeders here. Their bills have comb-like projections that filter out small crustaceans and seeds in the water for their meals.
Northern Pintails are ducks with long, elegant necks. Once again, we see the non-breeders here.
Thanks to Ron for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
Sunny and chilly - well, chilly for Northern California on the coast! In the 50's today and early this morning it was 41 degrees. Brrr!