Fog is part of living on the Mendonoma Coast. When it burns off, or pulls back to hover over the Pacific Ocean, the color of the trees and ocean seems even more vibrant. Cathleen Crosby photographed the fog line by Bowling Ball State Beach.
Bowling Ball Beach is one of the best places to beachcomb on the Coast. It has unique stones that look large huge bowling balls. They are uncovered with a low tide.
Thanks to Cathleen for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
Jane Schuler-Repp and Ida Egil were in the right place at the right time to see something amazing. A young Black Bear came up to the double-paned window at the Fort Bragg Hospital and looked in.
It sure looks like this Bear is smiling at Jane. Here's what Jane and Ida had to say about the encounter: “On Tuesday morning, Jan. 15th, the daily routine at Fort Bragg Hospital was interrupted by a wandering Bear, looking for its way out of the complex. We just happened to be in the corridor where the Bear was clawing at the window and we got an up-close look at this magnificent but confused creature. We were thankful the double-paned window held up.”
Daytime visits of a bear are very unusual. Reports said the bear was four feet tall when it was standing on its four paws. It was seen headed towards the Noyo River where it disappeared from view.
Thanks to Jane and Ida for sharing their experience. And thanks to Jane for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
Rozann Grunig and Patty McBratney were out looking for edible mushrooms early this week on The Sea Ranch. They found a few Hedgehogs and Pigs Ears. We haven't had much rain lately. Rozann mentioned to Patty that is probably was a good idea to always have a buddy when in the forest. Just after that comment she saw this print.
Rozann put her mushroom knife, four inches long, in the photo for perspective. Mountain Lion tracts do not have claw marks, as their claws are recessed while walking.
What to do if you see a Mountain Lion? Make yourself as big as possible. I've always thought hiking in the forest with an umbrella, which could double as a walking stick, would be a good idea. On the extremely rare chance that you did come near a Cougar, you could raise the umbrella over you head and pop it open.
Thanks to Rozann for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
One of the most photographed birds on the Mendonoma Coast is the Great Blue Heron. Allen Vinson recently spotted one. They have a stateliness to them but they can move FAST when they spot prey.
Allen photographed a different Great Blue Heron a while back. This photo is entitled, "And we have liftoff!"
To hear the calls of a Great Blue Heron, here's the link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Blue_Heron/sounds
Thanks to Allen for allowing me to share his photos with you here.
And Robert Scarola captured it with his camera.
A bit of loveliness for you today. Thanks to Robert for allowing me to share his photo with you here.