Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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This photograph exudes bliss! Michael Reinhart found a Harbor Seal pup nursing while his/her mother rests with her eyes closed.

It's a peaceful moment that Michael chronicled. Thanks to Michael for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

This morning we had some serious downpours! There was a good half inch of rain in our gauge when I checked this morning at 7. And it's chilly! It was 41 degrees at dawn with a breeze. Dark and white clouds seem to chasing each other across the sky this afternoon. A shower could happen any time but between showers we are having brilliant sunshine. A wait-five-minutes kind of day.

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Western Columbine, Aquilegia formosa, is a treat to find. Judith Fisher found this beauty at Gualala Point Regional Park recently.

This wildflower's scientific name is interesting. Formosa means "beautiful." Wildflower.org's website states this: "The genus name Aquilegia comes from the Latin aquila which means eagle and refers to the spurred petals that many believe resemble an eagle's talons." Fascinating! Look for Western Columbine in moist areas.

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

Today is an "in between" day. Yesterday morning at 7, I found 0.40 inches of rain in our gauge. Another 0.15 fell during the day. Today we have beautiful clouds scudding across the sky, pushed by strong breezes. Heck, it's downright windy this afternoon! Tomorrow we have some rain coming in. Thank you, Mother Nature!

 

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Ron Bolander wrote, "There was a Bald Eagle bathing on the north end of the gravel bar of the Gualala River. When it took off I got some photos and noticed the odd markings. The tail and the head are not completely white."

We think this eagle might be four years old. Five years is when a Bald Eagle is fully mature. Beautiful to see!

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

The fierce wind died down to gentle breezes and the temps came up. It's a beautiful day here on the Mendonoma Coast!

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North American River Otter females seem to only tolerate a male with mating on his mind for a very few minutes. Once the deed is done, he is expected to leave...PRONTO! Rozanne Rapozo recently photographed two River Otters mating in the Gualala River.

Immediately afterwards, the female is driving the male away.

Rozanne said the male had wounds on his face, possibly from this female or a previous female? The female then caught herself a small fish and proceeded to eat.

Interesting dynamic going on here! Thanks to Rozanne for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

We actually had a little rain late this morning. Nothing measurable but enough to wet the bricks in my courtyard! This afternoon is sunny, cool and breezy - sounds like spring on the Mendonoma Coast!

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Roxanne Holmes photographed twin Fawns last week. She said they were dancing and playing as if it were the first day of the lives, and it may have been. It was raining that day and they were dancing in the rain.

Many more fawns to be born in the days ahead. If you have a Doe cross the road in front of you, wait several moments to see if one, or two, or even three Fawns might be following her.

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

It's a sunny, breezy day here on the Mendonoma Coast. Harbor Seals are also being born, and Gray Whale mothers and calves are passing by, heading north. It's a special time of year. Also special for me was my time at Point Arena High School today, talking with two groups of seniors. What great people!