Mark Simkins photographed a Sea Star on the move. It is reaching, perhaps, for a mussel.
Anna's Hummingbirds nest early, as early as January. They build the most exquisite nests out of spider webs, lichen and small twigs. Jenny and John Biglow found this hummingbird nest with two babies inside. Can you spot them?
Siegfried Matull found an occupied nest too. Here's the mother hummingbird sitting on the nest.
And when the female took off for a moment, Siegfried got a photo of her eggs. Look how perfect the nest is.
Thanks to Jenny and Siegfried for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
Glass fishing floats were used by deep sea fishermen in days gone by. However many are still floating in the world's oceans. Mel Smith has a collection of glass fishing balls and cylinders - a collection of a lifetime. Mel met photographer Craig Tooley at Cook's Beach recently to photograph his finds.
In the photo below, the glass float still has its rope, which is quite rare.
After a storm, you might choose to go beach combing. May you would be lucky to find a glass fishing float nestled in some kelp.
Or one washed up in the surf.
Below is one of the glass fishing cylinders that Mel has found.
It's amazing to think that glass balls could survive for decades, riding the currents, and traveling halfway around the world to then be tossed up on a Mendonoma beach.
Thanks to Mel for sharing his collection and 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
This medium-sized Owl is a rare sighting on the Mendonoma Coast. Ron LeValley recently photographed one.
They fly low over grasslands listening for small mammals, or sometimes birds. Yes, they find their prey mainly with their ears rather than with their eyes.
This owl must have heard Ron, as it turned and looked directly at him.
Such a beautiful bird! To hear its call, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/short-eared_owl/sounds
I thank Ron for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Ron's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.levalleyphoto.com/home/
We've had nearly fifteen inches of rain since February 1st at our place in Anchor Bay. It had been so dry, the rain was especially welcome. Seasonal creeks came to life and the sound of them is glorious. Craig Tooley photographed one this past week.
The creek that crosses our property is now running clear. Quinliven Creek brings Rick and me much joy.
A certain golden retriever loves the creek too. Here Huckleberry is leaving one of the many ponds, not caring in the least that he is soaked.
It finally feels like winter. We are having brilliant sunshine today. Mushrooms are popping up in abundance. I will share some photos of them soon.
Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is the link to his website: www.ruffimage.com