Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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The vanguard of the mother/calf Gray Whale migration has arrived. Pairs have been spotted every day this week. Paul Brewer photographed a calf breaching. There are three photos in this sequence.

Breaching Gray Whale calf 1 by Paul BrewerBreaching Gray Whale calf 2 by Paul BrewerBreaching Gray Whale calf 3 by Paul Brewer

Robert Scarola noticed a mother/calf pair very close to shore and got this photo of one saying "hello".

Saying Hello - a Gray Whale by Robert Scarola

It is heartwarming to see these CA Gray Whales passing by. Look for a big spout closely followed by a smaller one. It is sure to make you smile.

Thanks to Robert and Paul for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/

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This happened last year too. Ferne Fedeli watched as a Common Raven hopped on the back of her donkey, Jack, and sheared off hair for its nest. Jack doesn't seem to mind this at all.

Jack the Donkey allows a Common Raven to harvest his hair by Ferne Fedeli

Perhaps it feels good, like being groomed!

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

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Ann Beckett had a fun sighting. She wrote, “Jerry and I came across this [bug] outside the Mendocino Market in Mendocino Friday. He’s huge: 2 ½ inches plus long. He flies like a berserk helicopter, a herky, jerky flurry of yellow wings taking him a few feet. We thought it might be a beetle, cicada or even a roach, but it’s a Giant Water Bug.”

Giant Water Bug, Lethocerus americanus, by Ann Beckett

Giant Water Bugs are members of the order Hemiptera, true bugs, and they are the largest true bug in the US. They usually are found in water. Ann points out there is a pond at the Kelley House, which is likely its home. There are many fascinating facts about this big bug. One of them is it has breathing tubes at the end of its abdomen that act as snorkels.

Ann writes further, “It could have been a model for a Star Wars creature or an inspiration for the design of an armored military vehicle.”

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

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A beautiful sighting is of the sun rising over one of the newest open spaces brought to us by the Sonoma Land Trust – Pole Mountain. John Allan, who as a child roamed this area, said there is a 360 degree view at the top.  The first photo was taken by Corby Hines as the run was rising.

Watching the sunrise at Pole Mountain by Corby Hines Pole Mountain by Stephen Joseph

 

The second photo was taken by Stephen Joseph.

This acquisition brings together the Jenner Headlands and the Little Black Mountain Preserve. And just like that, 6,300 acres are once again connected habitat.

To learn more about the Sonoma Land Trust, here is their website: http://sonomalandtrust.org/

Thanks to John for sending me the photos. And thanks to Stephen and Corby for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Tax day, April 15, can be a very stressful day. So to have a lovely sunset is a balm to the soul. Paul Brewer captured it.

Tax Day Sunset by Paul Brewer

There were two contrails lit up by the setting sun. And the surf was high, creating a dramatic picture.

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is a link to his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/