Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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A faint outline of a Sun Pillar appeared just before the sun set yesterday, Saturday. But after the sun disappeared, a beautiful, vibrant Sun Pillar was evident in the night sky.

We don't see this very often, so it was special to witness it. And I'm happy I have a photo of mine to show you today. Here's some info on Sun Pillars from Wikipedia:

"A light pillar is an atmospheric optical phenomenon in which a vertical beam of light appears to extend above and/or below a light source. The effect is created by the reflection of light from tiny ice crystals that are suspended in the atmosphere or that comprise high-altitude clouds."

Another spectacular, warm Autumn day on the Mendonoma Coast.

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Sunsets are beautiful this time of year. But after an early-in-the-year rainstorm, we have clouds to give us more drama. Gloria Wood photographed this beautiful sight. Kind of looks like a painting, don't you think?

Several weeks earlier Adrian Adams photographed these "cotton candy" clouds.

Cloud and sunset watching are a Mendonoma Coast tradition!

Thanks to Gloria and Adrian for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

Another spectacular Autumn day here.

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Ruth Downes noticed a Chestnut-backed Chickadee on her hummingbird feeder, drinking sugar water.

And Adrian Bennett found a tiny Sierran Treefrog sitting on her nectar feeder. We think the frog may have been attracted to the moisture or perhaps small insects caught in the sugar water on the lid.

Then Thane Frivold's dog, Moon, alerted him to a masked bandit at his feeder one night. Here is the video of the Raccoon obviously relished the sweet treat.

Raccoon raiding a hummingbird feeder by Thane Frivold

Who knew hummingbird feeders were popular with such diverse animals! Thanks to Ruth and Adrian for allowing me to share their photos, and to Thane for allowing me to share his video, with you here.

Today, Wednesday, is one of the most beautiful days of the year. It really feels like Autumn today, with gentle breezes, blue skies and mild temps.

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Monica Martinez regularly sees this Bobcat hunting gophers and voles in a Sea Ranch meadow. On this day the Bobcat snoozed under a bush, and then was disturbed by a few Deer.

Monica also photographed the cat with the tufted ears walking down her driveway.

It's pretty wonderful that Monica can look out her window and see a Bobcat, a Bobcat living lightly on the land.

Thanks to Monica for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

We received .50 inches of rain yesterday here in Anchor Bay. September rain is so very welcome. 2.10 inches season to date. May it keep on coming! Today is breezy and beautiful, with everything washed clean.

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Monarch Butterflies have migrated to the coast where they feed on nectar plants before heading south for the winter. Paul Brewer photographed several in his garden in Gualala.

When Paul photographed perhaps the first Monarch to appear a while ago, the butterfly was pretty tattered. This butterfly is missing part of its wing. These migrating butterflies are the long-lived Monarchs, called the Methuselah generation. They can live up to seven months and some will travel all the way down to Mexico.

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/

It's raining here on the coast this afternoon! We have well over a half inch of the blessed wet stuff. It's nice and mild too, about 60 degrees. We go back to sunny weather after today's rain. Will there be mushrooms soon?