Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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This wildflower blooms in the summer months, and it's not a common flower to see. King's Gentian, Gentiana sceptrum, is native to California, though it is found in other areas. Craig Tooley photographed the beautiful flower several weeks ago.

The blossom doesn't open any further than this, I'm told. They grow in moist areas, wetlands and bogs.

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

The fog rolled in, and the smoke from the wildfires is gone here on the Mendonoma coast. Our house at the 650 foot elevation has been the fog line today. The side facing the ocean is in fog and the side facing east has been in intermittent sunshine. The coolness is welcome and is helping those fighting the fires.

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John Harmon spotted this sweet sight, a Doe nuzzling her Fawn in the early morning light.

John captured a beautiful moment here on the Mendonoma Coast. I thank him for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

Smoke from the wildfires arrived yesterday but it has abated some this afternoon. I just received the most welcome news that Highway One has reopened to our south this afternoon!

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If you follow these blog posts or read my column in the Independent Coast Observer, you know that we have had a mated pair of Bald Eagles in Gualala for the past several years. We've been wishing and hoping they would have a chick and it looks like they did this year. Steve Woolson photographed the family near Salal Creek, which is very close to the Gualala River. The fledgling is eating a bird that one of the adults caught for him/her.

The fierce-looking mother is on the right. You can make out a few stray dark hairs on her head. A totally white head denotes a mature bald eagle. She was obviously mature enough this year to hatch an egg and nurture her chick. The father had been seen diligently fishing and then flying upriver with his catch. We believe the nest is in the watershed of the Gualala River.

So, how about this goo - no, great - news?! We need it, right? Thanks to Steve for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

We have no smoke from the wildfires here, as the wind is pushing it southward. In fact, if you didn't read or listen to the news, you'd never know anything was amiss if you were on the Mendonoma Coast! It's sunny and breezy today. Many Humpbacks were seen today too.

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Northern California was hit with a series of lightning strikes Sunday night and Monday, resulting in many wildfires. Though destructive, the sight of the lightning bolts has a raw beauty. Paul Brewer photographed  a lightning strike in the daylight hours on Monday.

May the wildfires be soon put out. Already I'm longing for the first autumn rains.

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

Sunny and very warm today, though a fog bank has formed over the Pacific Ocean. We need our "air conditioner," the fog, to return.

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Paul Kozal was out late at night making magic with his photography. You can see a meteor on the right, the iconic Lighthouse we all love, and the Milky Way splashed across the night sky. So lovely.

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

It's pretty darn warm at our place today. We melt when the temps get near 90 degrees. It was that hot yesterday but today has a cooling breeze. Come on, breeze! oh, we had quite a lightning show early this morning. I hope to show you some photos of that event soon.