Paul Brewer was in Jenner when he spotted this Bald Eagle flying over the Pacific Ocean. Beneath the big eagle was a Harbor Seal.
Nice catch by Paul! He also got the mated pair standing on the beach - two beautiful, mature Bald Eagles.
Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/
Scott and Tree Mercer are studying marine life off the Mendonoma coast. One of the most productive sites is the bluffs of the Point Arena Lighthouse. Scott recently photographed Tree on the bluffs. She was helping spot whales.
The Mercers post their daily sightings on Facebook at Mendonoma Whale and Seal Study. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/Mendonoma-Whale-and-Seal-Study-1421926098039236/
They also share their sightings with other research groups, and fortunately with me, for my weekly Mendonoma Sightings column in the Independent Coast Observer. Recent sightings have been young Gray Whales feeding off the coast, and several Humpback Whales about 3 1/2 miles out.
I thank Scott for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
The Gualala River, closed to the Pacific Ocean by a big sandbar for months, finally opened last Sunday night or early Monday morning. Bob Rutemoeller found it open at the north end when he checked mid-morning on Monday.
Steelhead, trapped in luxury during the summer and early autumn months, were swept out to sea to begin the next stage of their lives. The Gualala River didn't stay open long, though. It filled once again, and then reopened. And as of Saturday, it was closed again. With the high tides, King Tides, the river might be closed for a while. We will be watching!
Thanks to Bob for allowing me to share his photos with you here.
Anne Mary Schaefer captured a small green flash while at Manchester Beach a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful sunset too.
I love how the colors are reflected in the water glistening on the sand.
Thanks to Anne Mary for allowing me to share her photo with you here. Anne Mary is also a talented pet photographer. You can see her work at this link: http://www.pawpawrazzipetphotography.com/
To see these cheery mushrooms poking up after our autumn rains always makes me smile. We have a spot on our property where they appear in great numbers. Here is how Fly Amanitas, Amanita muscaria, look with they first appear.
Then they open up and reveal their true selves.
Here is one with a "baby" underneath.
Our golden retriever, Sunny, does his best not to step on them as he heads down into the forest.
These mushrooms have hallucinogenic qualities. It's possible to parboil the toxins out, I've been told by mushroom expert David Arora. I prefer just to watch them evolve. They make me happy to look at them!