Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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Rick and I had a Steller's Jay nest just outside one of our doors. It was in an abelia bush, a lovely flowering bush that Monarch Butterflies love. The chicks left the nest yesterday and were standing a few inches away. I photographed this chick as he/she stood perfectly still.

John Batchelder, a Sightings contributor, sent in a photo of Pacific Wren fledglings. He made the comment that their beaks are too big for their heads. Well, that's definitely the case here too! Don't worry, this chick will grow into its beak. This is what the Jay will look like when it is mature. This great photo was taken by Robert Scarola. Thank you, Robert!

It's warm and breezy again today. Amazingly enough, there is a storm forecast for late tomorrow/early Thursday. We don't often get storms from the north in June! But after the drought, the rain is always welcome. Forecast for the weekend, if you'd like to plan a trip here, is fabulous!

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Paul Brewer photographed this Band-tailed Pigeon as the bird took off from a branch.

These large pigeons eat nuts, fruits and seeds. They travel in groups, so if you see one at your seed feeder, there are sure to be more soon. They have a soft cooing sound, almost like an owl, which you can hear at this link: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Band-tailed_Pigeon/sounds

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/

It's a sunny, breezy day on the beautiful Mendonoma coast!

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Mary Sue Ittner once again trained her camera on the beauty at her feet. First you will see Cream Cups, Scarlet Pimpernel, and California Poppies.

And then Goldfields  and Earth Brodiaea.

Plus Sea Thrift, Dudleya and Meadowfoam.

I will share two more of Mary Sue's photos tomorrow. These were taken at Salt Point State Park.

Tomorrow's event is titled "Discover Our Lands." Along with Laura Baker, I will be leading a nature walk at noon on the less-explored northern parts of the Lands. It's free and the walk will take about an hour. We meet in front of the gift shop. Hope to see some of you! Below you will find all the details.

The Point Arena Lighthouse and Friends of the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands, in association with the Ukiah office of the Bureau of Land Management, will present Discover Our Lands on Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  This event is intended to celebrate the Point Arena-Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument and educate visitors about the varied features and sights it offers.  All Discover Our Lands activities will start at the Point Arena Lighthouse, located at 45500 Lighthouse Road in Point Arena.  Admission to the event, Lighthouse grounds, Gift Store and Museum is free. Guests wishing to climb the tallest lighthouse on the Pacific Coast can do so for a discounted Tower Tour price of $5.

This event will feature several guided walks on the less visited Northeast quadrant of the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands, bordered by the Garcia River and the Lighthouse property.  Several local experts in various fields will educate guests on what the Lands have to offer. Themes of the various walks, which will occur throughout the day, will include the cultural significance of the Lands to the Pomo people, native plants, the many species of birds on the Lands, geology of the Lands, and the various flora and fauna that inhabit the Lands.  Birding and geology specialists will also be in the Lighthouse Tower to discuss what can be seen from that vantage point.  In the Whale Watch Room inside the Fog Signal Building will be an expert on marine debris and its environmental impact, and outside on the grounds a seabird expert and a birding enthusiast will have spotting stations with scopes and binoculars to view the winged inhabitants, visitors and passersby of the Lands.   Jeanne Jackson, naturalist and author of Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year, and Laura Baker, naturalist and ecologist, will lead a nature walk on the bluffs at noon. The Mendocino College Coastal Field Station will also be holding an open house in conjunction with Discover Our Lands between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Lighthouse staff and volunteers will be offering homemade Lightkeeper’s Strawberry Shortcake and brownies for sale and Tracy Du Pont of Pier Chowder House and Tap Room will be selling their award-winning clam chowder throughout the event, or until it runs out.    Children 16 and under will be able to choose from a wide variety of kites at 25% off in the Lighthouse Gift Store that can be flown on the Lighthouse grounds (BLM regulations do not allow kites on the Lands).

For more information, contact the Lighthouse staff at 707-882-2809, ext. 1 or visit PointArenaLighthouse.com. To see the other hikes, here is a link to the event:

http://pointarenalighthouse.com/discover-our-lands/

http://pointarenalighthouse.com/discover-our-lands/

 

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Suzie Chapler photographed a Sierran Treefrog peeking out from one of the orchids she inherited from her mother, Gretchen. It made Suzie smile to see this little frog.

Kristine Rose photographed one in the process of changing color, from green to brown.

Steve and Nancy McLaughlin spotted this Treefrog climbing a window at the big Mother's Day brunch in Plantation. These frogs are excellent climbers - they have suction cups on their fingers and toes!

Thanks to Suzie, Kristine, and Steve for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

We are having a warm and breezy day on the coast today - no fog!

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Marilyn Green spotted this Bat Star, Patiria miniata, on the beach, rather than in the water.

Robert Van Syoc confirmed the ID and wrote, "They are common in the shallow subtidal zone along the coast. They are scavengers that can travel over sand, as well as rock bottoms.

Thanks to Marilyn for allowing me to share her photo with you  here.