Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

•

Craig Tooley, a frequent contributor to this blog, is curating the exhibit of the North Coast Photographers Group. The grand opening is tomorrow at 5 pm at the Dolphin Gallery in Gualala. Craig says, "The exhibit photos consist primarily of nature photographs taken along the majestic Northern California coast. Don't miss it!"

Here are a few of Craig's photos. I don't know if any of these will be in the exhibit but I thought you'd enjoy seeing them here. Below is a Northern Flicker.

 And here is a very young Fox Kit.

 And here is a House Finch giving you a wave.

Good luck to Craig and the rest of the photography group. They sure have some awesome material to work with here on the Mendonoma Coast.

To see much more of Craig's photography, here's the link: www.ruffimage.com

• 1 Comment

•

Last week a storm system gave us rainbows just before sunset, rather an unusual occurrence. Robert Scarola photographed the event in Gualala.

The first photo shows the rainbow beginning.

And the rainbow grows.

This was the sunset to the west.

 The rainbow then arched across the sky.

 And finally the right side of the rainbow formed a double.

Here's what Robert had to say about this event: "It was still lightly raining and misting on the hills behind our house, and as I watched a rainbow began to form next to a large tree opposite our back deck. It then grew, formed a double, arched at the top, started down to the left, and completed into a full arch. It was so close I could almost touch it, and I did not have a lens that was wide angle enough to capture the whole incredible sight. So I took this series with the lens I have. (I am now in the market for a wide angle lens!). Maybe people can get a feel for how this incredible magical event formed in front of my eyes as I watched. It was like Buddha decided to have some fun and do a sand painting in the sky for all of us still hanging out down here. As it faded away, I went to the other side of the house and took the photo of the sunset clouds to the west. Wow, is about all I can say."

Thanks to Robert for his sighting and for allowing me to share his lovely photos with you here.

• 2 Comments

•

Cute as can be, a Burrowing Owl was recently photographed by Coastal photographer Ron LeValley.

Here's what Ron wrote about his photo: "The burrowing owl that I posted a photo of in January is still present. They usually don't stay on the coast in the spring and summer, as they nest inland. But this one is still here. It's unusual to see a Burrowing Owl with ice plant.This photograph was taken at MacKerricher State Park, Mendocino County, California on March 17, 2013."

This small Owl eats insects. To hear its call, here's the link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/burrowing_owl/sounds

To see much more of Ron's photography, here's the link to his website: http://www.levalleyphoto.com/home/ Thanks to Ron for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

•

We've had quite a year so far for Bobcat sightings. They seem to be thriving on the Mendonoma Coast. Jinx McCombs photographed one recently.

And  here's a rear view look of the Bobcat.

That's a nice meadow, probably filled with tasty Gophers. This Bobcat found a good spot for its dinner.

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

•

Western Meadowlarks are very beautiful and also difficult to photograph as it is hard to get close to them. Craig Tooley recently succeeded and here is the result.

Meadowlarks are easier to hear, with their flute-like call. They eats seeds and insects.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's Coast photography, here's the link: www.ruffimage.com

And to hear the call of the Meadowlark, here's the link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/western_meadowlark/sounds