Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

•

Manzanita bushes are native to California. We have several different types on our property in Anchor Bay. This big specimen is peeling, something manzanitas do every year.

Once the manzanita has done shedding its outer bark, smooth and silky bark remains. It's almost impossible not to run your fingers along a red branch once the peeling is done. When the bark peels, it's difficult for insects and other organisms to stay attached to the bush. So it is partly a defensive mechanism.

Manzanita bushes, with their beautiful branches, add beauty to the Mendonoma Coast.

•

Mark and Kitty Simkins have a hummingbird feeder at their place in Manchester. Kai, their cat, fantasizes about getting a hummingbird but there is a pane of glass in the way.

It's nice to know this Anna's Hummingbird is safe from the Simkins' beautiful cat. Domestic cats kill an unbelievably high number of birds. Quail are particularly vulnerable now, as the chicks have just been born.

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

• 4 Comments

•

The storm that dumped three inches of rain on the Mendonoma Coast in late June has brought a mushroom bloom. You saw Irma Brandt's Shrimp Russulas. Now take a peek at the six Boletus edulis Paul Kozal found this past week.

These choice, edible mushrooms are usually found in the autumn, most years around Thanksgiving. I wonder what will happen this fall.

Paul has affinity for mushrooms and takes lovely photos of them, some of which are displayed at his gallery, Studio 391, in Gualala. To see more of Paul's photography, here is his website: http://www.paulkozal.com/

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

•

A small flock of Western Sandpipers was seen at Cook's Beach recently, running along the surf line. Tom Eckles photographed the scene, which shows kelp on the beach.

Several years ago Tom saw Sandpipers at the same place, as you will see in the photo below, looking for tasty insects in the surf and sand.

There's something quite endearing about these birds - they make me smile when I see them. If you'd like to listen to their calls, here's the link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/western_sandpiper/sounds

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

•

We had a big storm come through the end of June. And sure enough, it prompted a mushroom bloom. King Boletes, Porcini, have been found. A Sweet Tooth Hedgehog popped up. And a cache of Chanterelles, usually only found in winter, were spotted by Irma Brandt.

It takes a good eye to spot edible mushrooms. Can you see them in Irma's first photo? Her series of photos will show their unveiling.

Thanks to Irma for allowing me to share her photos with you here. Irma found the biggest King Bolete I've ever seen a few years ago. You can see it at this link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/10/17/the-biggest-king-bolete-ive-ever-seen-was-found-in-the-manchester-area-a-few-days-ago/