Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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Marilyn Green recently photographed a Common Buckeye Butterfly.

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Several days later Marlee Little photographed Common Buckeye caterpillars. Here's a photo of one of them.

Common Buckeye caterpillar by Marlee Little (Large)

I learned from Ron LeValley that this butterfly breeds nearly all year long so it's not unusual to see both the caterpillars and the butterflies at the same time.

A flashier cousin of Common Buckeyes - Monarchs - are migrating through our area now.

Thanks to Marilyn and Marlee for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Lewis Lubin found this unusual salamander. He wrote,

“My wife and I were removing jubata grass from around our spring box in a creek on our property in Annapolis. We came across this adult California Giant Salamander. It measured about nine inches long, and was incredibly beautiful.”

The beady eyes of a CA Giant Salamander, Dicamptodon ensatus, by Lewis Lubin

This salamander barks if disturbed. Here is a look at the entire salamander, photographed by Peter Baye:

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They have a natural camouflage!

Thanks to Lewis and Peter for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

Fog has made a welcome appearance so it looks like our heat wave is coming to an end. Hooray!

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It's so hot even the African hoof animals at the B. Bryan Preserve in Point Arena are looking for shade. Here are two Grevy's Zebra photographed by Judy Mello.

Grevy's Zebras in the shade by Judy Mello

It's fascinating to learn what Judy and Frank Mello are doing to preserve endangered animals at their preserve in Point Arena. Here's a link to their website: http://bbryanpreserve.com/

Here's one of my favorite photos of a Grevy's Zebra baby with its mother at the preserve. The young zebra had just seen a gopher pop up and couldn't believe what it just saw! This photo was taken by Craig Tooley.

Grevy's Zebra baby with mom APRIL by Craig Tooley

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

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A full moon in August is sometimes called a Sturgeon Moon. It was named so by some Native Peoples because sturgeon were most easily caught in August.

Glenn Funk wrote, "At the monthly Moon Tour at the Point Arena Lighthouse, this hazy Sturgeon Moon tried valiantly to outshine the tower’s floodlight and, depending on the shifting fog layer, may have succeeded…at times.”

Sturgeon Moon tries to outshine the Point Arena Lighthouse by Glenn Funk

To learn more about our cherished Lighthouse, here is the link to their website: http://www.pointarenalighthouse.com/

Thanks to Glenn for allowing me to share his beautiful photo with you here.

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Many were photographing last night's sunset, or simply watching it with great pleasure. It's a boon to be able to take the time to watch a beautiful sunset. Richard Hansen photographed it from his home in Gualala so you can see it too.

Gualala Sunset 9.5.15 by Richard Hansen

Richard also photographed this morning's sunrise.

Gualala Sunrise 9.6.15 looking west by Richard Hansen

There is no fog to be seen, and only the gentlest of breezes. This final holiday weekend of the summer season is turning out to be magnificent. I won't even mention the sparkling night sky.

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