Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

•

Acorn Woodpeckers are year-round residents of the Mendonoma Coast. Eric Zetterholm recently photographed three perched on a tree trunk.

Eric thought they were drilling holes into the tree. These woodpeckers do that. In the fall, they put acorns in granary trees, dead snags. They don't store the acorns to eat them. The acorns attract insects, which the woodpeckers then eat. Pretty smart, don't you think?

I have a Sunday bonus photo Eric took of the sunset and a spouting Gray Whale. Just lovely.

Thanks to Eric for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

We are having a cool, sunny day, with plenty of clouds to make things interesting. Tonight's sunset could be beautiful!

Spring doesn't know...and the first fawn was seen today.

• 2 Comments

•

If I'm allowed to have favorites, White-tailed Kites are some of my favorite birds. Jennifer Massey photographed one hovering in air, getting ready to nab his dinner.

These kites hunt small mammals, and they can be seen hovering over grassy meadows.

During non-breeding season, White-tailed Kites are known to roost together in groups of up to a hundred or so birds. To hear their quiet, whistle-like calls, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-tailed_Kite/sounds

Thanks to Jennifer for allowing me to share her photos with you here. In her photos, the sky is oh-so-blue. Not so today as cool fog  moved in.

Spring doesn't know...

•

This native plant is found in moist seeps, and in shady canyons and forests. Mary Sue Ittner has photographed these plants in a series of three photos. First is the flower in bud.

And here you can see the flower. They kind of look like little, white pompoms.

And here you will see Bob Rutemoeller walking down a shady path lined on either side by Coltsfoot. Looks like a wonderful trail to hike!

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

Sunny with high clouds today, and cooler by at least ten degrees.

•

Yes, the first Harbor Seal pups have made their appearance in secluded coves. One area where they are born is at Tidepool Rookery off The Sea Ranch, another area is by the Point Arena Lighthouse/Point Arena Stornetta Lands. After the birth, the mother and pup touch noses. Sara Bogard recently witnessed a birth, and she photographed this photo which she entitled, "A Mother's Kiss." The mother is on the left.

A sweet, loving photo for you today. Thanks to Sara for allowing me to share it with you.

A few words of warning: never "rescue" a pup you might see along on the beach. The mother leaves her sweet pup to go feed. Also, make sure your dogs are leashed, or better yet, leave them behind if viewing Harbor Seals now. Make no noise or sudden movement, and you will be rewarded with a blissful sighting.

Another warm spring day here on the Mendonoma coast, with high clouds. Spring doesn't know...

•

Craig Tooley wrote, "This Little possum is one of those creatures I don't often get the opportunity to see and even less of an opportunity to photograph. Some people don't care for them, but as I was brought up on Dr. Seuss it reminds me of characters of my childhood. I managed to get a few pictures of it as it was foraging around some landscape lighting, much to my delight!

Opossums are marsupials and they quite beneficial in the environment. They prey on cockroaches, rats, and mice, and...THEY EAT TICKS! One Opossum can eat 5,000 ticks a season. You can read about their role to play at this link to the National Wildlife Foundation: https://blog.nwf.org/2017/06/opossums-unsung-heroes-in-the-fight-against-ticks-and-lyme-disease/

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 

Craig's photos are featured in our book, Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year, which is available at the Four-eyed Frog Books  https://www.foureyedfrog.com/ or on the homepage of this website. It's a beautiful book that will bring you visually to the Mendonoma Coast.

ooo, today is just a beautiful day. The birdsong this morning was a balm. We are at 75 degrees, light breeze and nothing but sunshine today.