Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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A lone bull Roosevelt Elk has been hanging out with domestic cattle near the town of Elk for several years. Ron Bolander photographed the big fellow resting in a meadow.

Scott Mercer found him nearer to the town of Irish Beach recently.

We hope a female or two will find their way to him as the domestic cattle herd doesn't qualify for his harem!

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

Rain overnight, brilliantly sunny today - kind of sounds like Camelot, doesn't it?

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Bob Rutemoeller photographed some of the huge surf off the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands on December 26th. I was amazed to see the arches so inundated with water and foam.

Here is what they usually look like. This photo was taken by Laura Cover in a calmer moment.

Bob also photographed several big waves coming in. The Pacific Ocean was LOUD that day!

Thanks to Bob and Laura for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

It's sunny today, and it looks like there are no clouds on the horizon. If so, there may be a green flash at sunset today!

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Gaily Jackson was up early and she headed for Gualala Point Regional Park. She photographed the Serge, the ceremonial posts carved and dedicated by the wood carvers of the Sakha Republic.

The Serge looks beautiful morning light. You can learn more about these posts at this link: https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Visit/Gualala-Point-Regional-Park/Serge-Posts/

Gaily also photographed the Gualala River, showing the iconic Mill Bend.

And the dawn.

We are very lucky to have this beautiful park here in Gualala, and a wonderful photographer to show its beauty. Thanks to Gaily for allowing me to share her photos with you here. To see much more of her nature photography, here is her website: http://gailyimages.com/

We had some surprise rain this morning, but this afternoon is splashed in sunshine.

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Shari GoForth-Eby noticed a group of California Sea Lions off of Gualala Point Beach from the Gualala Bluff Trail.

Rick Denniston witnessed this too.

But there is an interesting story here, told by Scott Mercer.

Scott wrote, “We heard from Shari Goforth-Eby of an unusual sight by the Gualala Bluff Trail.  We arrived and saw 15 or more chatty California Sea Lions perched on a large object, and drifting with the strong wind. They were right along the edge of the beach managing to stay off the beach. After much looking and guessing we all finally agreed that the object was not a dead whale [whew] and was not a tree, or a log, but a raft of kelp.  At one point the group and their raft had drifted north and out of our sight. To our amazement, and amusement, the Sea Lions came swimming rapidly back along the beach barking loudly, not alone, but bringing their kelp raft along with them.”

Sea Lions feed on invertebrates that live in kelp forests. They form rafts for several reasons -to rest together, and for thermoregulation. They lift their flippers out of the water and have the sun warm them up. I have never heard of them bringing a patch of kelp with them. That’s wonderful to know!

Thanks to Shari and Rick for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

oh my, we are having a lovely day on the Mendonoma Coast. Big swells are evident on the Pacific Ocean and the waves are crashing. Temps in the mid 60's - a fine winter day.

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Ron Bollander has a tradition for Christmas Day - he goes out in nature with his camera. One of the birds Ron photographed was this beautiful Great Egret.

Here this Great Egret has her neck extended. Perhaps she has spotted a tasty fish in this marshy area.

Great Egrets were nearly hunted to extinction because their feathers were prized in ladies' hats. The Great Egret is the symbol of the National Audubon Society. Audubon was founded to protect birds from being killed for their feathers.

A Great Egret's call isn't musical, that's for sure! You can listen to it here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Egret/sounds

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

Weather report - cloudy with very light rain. Then we switch back to sunny weather. Oh my, I have to show you last night's sunset. It was truly a spectacular way to end 2019. Happy New Year to all!