Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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Peter Cracknell caught this Osprey resting on a branch. Ospreys have returned to the Mendonoma Coast to build or rebuild their nests, pair up and hopefully start a new family.

An Osprey rests by Peter Cracknell

Ospreys build their nests on top of flat-top trees. The nests are quite substantial, as they must survive the winds that blow in from the northwest in springtime and from the southwest in stormy weather. Here is an Osprey nest photographed by Craig Tooley.

Osprey nest by Craig Tooley

The Osprey nest that Rick and I can see through our spotting scope blew down in the December storms so the Osprey pair have been busy rebuilding it. The female is now sitting on the nest so perhaps there is an egg or two in there. I hope so!

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

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It can be disconcerting to see California Sea Lions join together in a raft. But it is normal activity for them. They come together for protection and when they put a flipper in the air, they are either warming themselves up or cooling down. This is called thermo-regulating. Paul Brewer recently witnessed this.

Sea Lions rafting by Paul Brewer

And I am so pleased to announce that my book, Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year, has won a national award - a Benjamin Franklin Silver Award in the category Nature and Environment. Rick and I went to the ceremony in Austin, Texas on April 10th.

Jeanne Jackson with her book, Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year, wins the silver Benjamin Franklin book award, photo courtesy of IBPA

My competition was so awesome that it was a privilege to be considered with them. To see a list of the Benjamin Franklin award winners, here is the link to the Independent Book Publishers Association: http://ibpabenjaminfranklinawards.com/

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

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The eclipse took place in the early hours of the morning. Paul Kozal got this beautiful photo at the tail end of the eclipse.

Saturday's eclipse is almost over by Paul Kozal

There was a full moon to add to the magic. These farm buildings are relics on The Sea Ranch from the time the property was used as a sheep ranch.

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

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There are some sunsets that just have to be shared. Here is one taken by Richard Kuehn.

A beautiful sunset by Richard Kuehn

Unless the fog lifts there will be no dramatic sunset today!

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

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Harbor Seal pups are being born on secluded coves. The bluffs at The Sea Ranch are one of the places you can quietly watch without disturbing them. Barbara Thrush saw a birth from start to finish.

A Harbor Seal pup being born by Barbara Thrush Mother Harbor Seal looks at her pup being born by Barbara Thrush

Finally the little one is born.

And the Harbor Seal pup is born by Barbara Thrush

Next the pup and its mother bond. They are also marking each other's scent so they can find each other.

A newborn Harbor Seal pup bonding with its mother by Barbara Thrush

And lastly the newborn pup tests the waters with mom watching close by.

A newborn Harbor Seal pup in the water by Barbara Thrush

Once again let me caution people not to "rescue" a pup left alone on a beach. The mother will leave her newborn while she fishes to feed herself. She will return!

Thanks to Barbara for allowing me to share her wonderful photos with  you here.