Tom Landecker and Sharon Albert had a pair of Pacific-slope Flycatchers make a nest in a wreath on their front door. There are a lot of hungry babies waiting to be fed.
I asked Tom if the birds ever bothered the fake berries on the wreath. He replied that they don't touch them.
These birds are rather difficult to spot, as they are pretty drab. I often hear them in the forest.
Thanks to Tom for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
The Yakut people of Sakha Republic in Siberia built a magnificent Serge, a ceremonial hitching post, at Gualala Point Regional Park. The dedication ceremony was quite moving, and the land was blessed by the shaman. We now have a sacred spot in one of our favorite parks. Richard Kuehn took a beautiful photo of the Serge at dawn.
The middle photo shows the shaman approaching followed by the ceremonial dancers. The third photo shows the honored guests receiving a ceremonial drink. I took these photos at the ceremony last month.
We feel very fortunate to have this beautiful Serge here in Gualala. Thanks to Rich for allowing me to share his beautiful photo with you here.
A visit from Monarch Butterflies is always a treat. Tom Eckles had two chasing each other around his garden in Gualala.
Here is a photo Tom took last year of a Monarch on a Dahlia blossom.
The fall migration of Monarchs doesn't begin until next month. But we always welcome a visit from these exquisite creatures. Journey North tracks the migration of Monarch Butterflies, along with Gray Whales and various other migratory events. Their website is: https://www.learner.org/jnorth/
Thanks to Tom for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Tom's photography, here is his website: www.tomeckles.com
Black Oystercatchers nest on the Mendonoma Coast. Robert Scarola recently photographed an Oystercatcher with two eggs.
These eggs have hatched and fledglings have appeared. Here's a photo by Craig Tooley of fledglings.
There are three chicks with this Black Oystercatcher. Can you spot them?
These birds are quite noisy, even when flying. To hear their call, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black_oystercatcher/sounds
Thanks to Robert 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
George Marshall has a birdbath at his Sea Ranch home. A small group of Golden-crowned Sparrows spotted it and came down for a nice bath.
Another fun birdbath photo was taken by Jim Garlock at his home in Gualala.
This is a very wet Western Scrub Jay and it appears to be glaring at Jim.
Putting in a birdbath is guaranteed to give you pleasure while helping the birds that grace us with their presence.
Thanks to George and Jim for allowing me to share their photos with you here.