With all of life's complexities, it is good to notice some of the simpler things in nature. Carolyn André was heading back up the coast and she stopped several times to take photographs. I was struck by the sweetness and peacefulness of this Gull wading in the water.
When spring winds arrive the ocean becomes turbulent and very beautiful.
Thanks to Carolyn for allowing me to share her photos with you here.
Ken Browning recently led a geology hike at Gualala Point Regional Park. He showed us a small earthquake fault at the south end of the beach.
The fault is below the fence and wind-blown trees.
Here's a closeup of the fault.
Close by are these wonderful moon rocks. These formations are also at Salt Point State Park. I discuss these formations at this blog post: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2013/03/02/moon-rocks-and-a-few-other-oddities-at-salt-point-park-as-photographed-by-john-sperry/ if you'd like to learn more. That is Diane Hichwa inspecting the formation.
And I was struck by this rock's impersonation of a turtle. Hope you enjoy it.
If you'd like to learn more about this beautiful park, here's the link: http://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Get_Outdoors/Parks/Gualala_Point_Regional_Park.aspx There is a wonderful campground in this park on the east side of Highway 1 with campsites right along the Gualala River.
I think of The Prince, Agaricus augustus, as a summer mushroom. With the dry weather we've been having on the Coast, this mushroom has bloomed early.
Mark Hancock recently photographed a group of them on the Gualala Arts Center grounds. In the first photo you see Mark's hand to give you the scale.
Gifts of the forest! Thanks to Mark for allowing me to share his photos with you here.
Rob Diefenbach recently photographed a newborn fawn with its mother.
Something is handing from the mother, perhaps the umbilical cord?
A white fawn was born on The Sea Ranch this year. I had a report with no photo a week or so ago. When I didn't receive any more reports or a photo I thought the fawn had not survived. But this morning the fawn was spotted with its normal-colored sibling and its mother. When I receive a good photo of it I will share it here.
Here is a photo of the white fawn that was born in 2006.
You can see by its eyes and nose that it is not an albino. It was considered a towhead and did eventually color up. Lynda O'Brien took this photo. She described the white fawn as a magical being.
Thanks to Rob and Lynda for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
Judy Mello wrote, “This is a Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. This species of zebra is on the endangered species list, with less than 6,000 left in the world. She/he already has its dewlap under its neck and the classic zipper pattern on its tail.” It looks like Mom is keeping a close eye on her little one.
Several more births are expected this summer at the preserve and several more animals will be joining the herd from San Diego Safari Park in June.
A visit to B. Bryan Preserve in Point Arena would be a unique thing to do. By reservation you can be there when the animals are being fed. They also have several guest cottages for rent. It's beautiful there - like you've entered another world. To learn more about the preserve, here's the link: http://www.bbryanpreserve.com/