Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

•

Irma Brandt was the lucky forager several weeks ago. I'll let her tell you about it. “It’s been pretty dry on the Mendonoma coast, not much fog and no fog drip. But we did get rainfall that sent me exploring in the forest. The top layer of forest debris looks parched, but moving the duff proved that the soil underneath was holding some moisture, enough to find a few scattered Cantharellus roseocanus, the dense, meaty, delicious summer chanterelle. It was like looking for truffles – nothing above ground.”

Summer Chanterelles, Cantharellus roseocanus, by Irma BrandtFinding edible mushrooms is always a treat! Thanks to Irma for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

• 1 Comment

•

Mel Smith and Linda Bostwick must be doubly fortunate, as they had two sets of birds nest in their birdhouse. The first to occupy the box were Chestnut-backed Chickadees. Once their chicks had fledged, Violet-green Swallows took residence and currently have chicks in the birdhouse.

Violet-green Swallow in a nesting box by Mel Smith (1024x576)Here's a photo Linda took a few years ago of a Violet-green Swallow with a feather in its beak. A nice soft touch for a nest!

Male Violet-green Swallow with a feather by Linda BostwickThanks to Mel and Linda for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

• 2 Comments

•

Craig Tooley has been watching a Black Oystercatcher  nest. The other day, the first chick appeared.

First there was one, a Black Oysterchick by Craig TooleyAnd then there were two.

Then there were two, Black Oystercatcher chicks by Craig TooleyAnd finally three little chicks, exploring their new world.

And then there were three, Black Oystercatcher chicks by Craig TooleyWatching wildlife can bring joy!

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com

 

• 2 Comments

•

When the weather warms up, dragonflies grace us with their presence. This first one landed on a sprinkler head in our garden. It's a Flame Skimmer. Isn't it exquisite?

Flame Skimmer Dragonfly on my sprinkler head by Jeanne JacksonAnd here is an Eight-spotted Skimmer I photographed at Bower Park on the Gualala Ridge. (Thanks to Ron LeValley for the identification!)

Eight-spotted Dragonfly at Bower Park by Jeanne JacksonAnd here's a photo of a Blue Dancer, taken by Craig Tooley. It is in our book, Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year!Blue Dasher Dragonfly October at the Art Center by Craig TooleyThanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

 

•

Bush Honeysuckle, Lonicera involucrata, is sporting beautiful berries and flowers. Peggy Berryhill photographed these striking berries.

Fruit of Bush Honeysuckle by Peggy BerryhillBush Honeysuckle is a native plant and is also called Twinberry, for obvious reasons. When I looked this plant up on Wikipedia, the site said, "It may be edible or very unpalatable, or even poisonous." Well, let's just admire this beautiful plant and not taste the berries!

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