Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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American Goldfinches arrive in chattering groups, attracted to native thistles and milkweed. They love sunflower and nyger seeds, so you might be able to attract them to a tube feeder. Ron Bolander photographed this pair. The male is looking very spiffy in his bright yellow feathers.

Sara Bogard also photographed these small finches feeding on a coastal bluff.

These birds often are seen with Pine Siskins. Their songs are a series of warbles and twitters. You can listen to their call at this link of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Goldfinch/sounds

Thanks to Ron and Sara for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

A river of rain event is on its way this afternoon. It's quite balmy as we await Mother Nature's theatrics. Rick and I were out yesterday and we checked the Gualala River. It is closed by the sandbar and has filled up nicely into the lagoon. We'll have to see if the river opens with this oncoming storm.

Spring doesn't know...

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The Point Arena Lighthouse is closed now but Executive Director, Mark Hancock, goes to check on things. He took this photo a few days ago of the multitude of wildflowers appearing now.

I see California Poppies, Blue-eyed Grass, Douglas Iris, Sea Thrift and more. Mark says it is sad that others can't see this beautiful sight, but Mark's photo will have to suffice this year.

Thanks to Mark for allowing me to share his photo with you here. When things open up again, this beautiful lighthouse would be a great place to visit. They have accommodations too. Here's their website: https://www.pointarenalighthouse.com/

We are having a beautiful, sunny day to shelter in place today. Rain coming in tomorrow. Bring it, Mother Nature!

Spring doesn't know...

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Adrian Bennett and Roxanne Holmes were treated to the sight of these cute, newborn twin fawns last week.

It's so wonderful to see new life. Thanks to Roxanne for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

Roxanne took this photo on a sunny day. We had rain this morning, over a 1/2 inch! This afternoon the sun has come out. The Douglas fir trees are trimmed in light green - their new growth is glistening with the raindrops.

Spring doesn't know...

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Chris Beach photographed the beautiful Cliff Swallows building nests on rocky cliffs. This sandstone looks perfect for multiple nests.

These swallows like to be in a group - no social distancing going on here! They build intricate nests out of mud in the shape of a gourd. This photo was taken some years ago by Robert Scarola.

Cliff Swallows will often use overpasses, the golf course tunnels at Sea Ranch, and even the Gualala Bridge. Rick and I were kayaking under the bridge when I discovered dozens and dozens of Cliff Swallow nests.

Here is a closer look at these beautiful birds. This photo was also taken by Robert Scarola.

These swallows eat lots and lots of insects every day.

Thanks to Chris and Robert for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

It's raining here this afternoon, and the gentle rain feels like a balm.

Spring doesn't know...

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Ospreys nest on the Mendonoma Coast, and it's quite wonderful seeing them dive for fish. As many of the females are currently sitting on eggs, the male brings a fish back to the nest for her to feed. Sara Bogard saw an Osprey with what I believe is a Surf Perch.

Ospreys dive with their talons extended as they enter the ocean. Here's a dramatic photo Paul Brewer took several years ago of an Osprey snagging a fish.

Thanks to Sara and Paul for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

We've had some nice, gentle rain, nearly an inch from the two storms. More to come but this afternoon is quite beautiful with dramatic clouds interspersed with sunshine.

Spring doesn't know...