Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

Brown Pelicans are migrating south, and they rest and fish off the Mendonoma Coast. Jon Shiu recently photographed some of the action, and he was happily surprised that he also captured the blow, the exhalation, of what we think is a Humpback Whale.

Scott and Tree Mercer of Mendonoma Whale and Seal Study have been chronicling the Humpback Whales here in September and so far in October. They have a wonderful symposium tomorrow and here are the details:

We are presenting The FOURTH ANNUAL OCEAN LIFE SYMPOSIUM on Friday, October 7 from 9AM TO 4PM. Hosted by KGUA FM 88.3. streaming on the internet and presented live on KGUA’s YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
SCHEDULE:
9AM to 10AM- Tree and Scott Mercer, Introducing the Symposium.
10AM to 11AM- Dr. Stacy Ann Robinson, Professor, Colby College in Maine.
11AM to noon- Jack Barkowski of Moss Landing Marine Laboratory.
Noon to 1PM - Laura Crane of Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, Wells, Maine.
1 PM - 2 PM - Howard Garrett of Orca Network in Washington.
2 PM - 3 PM- Dr. Lei Lani Stelle, Professor at University of Redlands, Redlands, California.
Since this symposium is live streamed, you can tune in anywhere in the world!
Thanks to Jon for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
Lots of fog covering the ocean today, and the temps are nice and cool.

A little over two weeks ago, we had over four inches of rain in some places on the Mendonoma Coast. So we aren't too surprised that the first Boletus edulis, also called Porcini,  have popped up in moist areas. The person who took these photos wants to remain anonymous so I called him/her "a mushroom lover." Here is the proof.

Hopefully more will appear in the days ahead!

Thanks to mushroom lover for allowing me to share these photos with you here.

It's beautiful on the Mendonoma Coast today, a slight breeze and mild temps. Sunsets have been exquisite lately - I love Autumn on the Coast!

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Joel Chaban photographed this Great Blue Heron recently. He/she was probably landing or getting ready to lift off. But I think the heron might just be dancing!

Great Blue Herons are year round residents of the Mendonoma Coast.

Thanks to Joel for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

It's very foggy and cool on the coast today.

Bobcats, the cat with the tufted ears and short, bobbed tails can sometimes be seen in grassy meadows. Mike Reinhart spotted one looking at him through the grasses at the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands.

Fun Fact: the markings on a Bobcat's coat are unique to itself, just like our fingerprints!

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

The weather is...well...it's perfect! Yesterday Humpback Whales were seen. There are quite a few Humpbacks off the Mendonoma Coast right now. By the beginning of November they will be migrating southward and we won't likely see them until next summer. Get to a bluff near  you!

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On Sunday Sept 18, we had a vigorous storm that dumped quite a bit of rain on the Mendonoma Coast. I've previously written that we got 4.55 inches at our place in Anchor Bay. Last Tuesday morning I drove down to the iconic spot at Gualala Point Regional Park to take this photo of the mouth of the Gualala River. This part of the river is called Mill Bend.

The river had been quite diminished so it's wonderful to see it so nice and full. You can see the big sandbar at the mouth that "closes" the river to the Pacific Ocean. With enough rain, this sandbar will be breached, always an exciting event. But for now, the river is still "closed."

I hope you enjoy one of my photos for a change.

Heavy, drippy fog along the coast for much of the day, though the ridge had blue skies.