Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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Burrowing Owls are a rare sighting on the Mendonoma Coast. Ron LeValley recently photographed one at MacKerricher State Park. Here's what Ron had to say about his sighting: "My gallery partner Ken called and told me about this Burrowing Owl hanging out near the old Haul Road just south of Ward Avenue in the state park. These birds mostly live in the Central Valley but a few winter on the north coast each year. These are only about 8 inches tall, but they stand taller!"

 Tim Moulton photographed a young one at The Sea Ranch several years ago.

To hear the call of this special Owl, here's the link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Burrowing_Owl/id

To see much more of Ron's wildlife photography, here's the link to his website: http://www.levalleyphoto.com/home/

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Jim Garlock was traveling north when he spotted this Bobcat with what looks like a gopher in its mouth.

Bobcats are Mother Nature's rodent hunters. Thanks to Jim for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

To see a very popular Bobcat photo on my blog, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2012/04/19/a-beautiful-bobcat-as-photographed-by-tom-osborne/

It's raining hard this afternoon, welcome news after the dry weather we've been having.

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C'Anna Bergman-Hill was visiting relatives on January 9th. She and her husband, David, observed this beautiful double rainbow in between Point Arena and Anchor Bay.

A little later this was the sunset they witnessed. Just beautiful!

Clouds are filling the sky as the first storm in several weeks is approaching. We can use the rain. Seasonal creeks are running low and wild mushrooms have mostly been missing in action. It's time for some wet stuff!

Thanks to C'Anna for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

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The sound and fury of the Pacific Ocean can't be ignored. A big storm off Japan sent huge waves our way. Yesterday was a great day for watching the ocean in her finest. Paul Brewer did just that.

This is extremely high surf for the beach at Gualala Point Regional Park. In the lower photo you can see two Gulls "riding" the wave.

Today is just as exciting, though the surf isn't as dramatic. We have spotted a large pod of Killer Whales headed south. They passed Fish Rocks, which is off Anchor Bay, a little before 3 pm. They are several miles out but great fun to watch through binoculars or a spotting scope. Long lens photographers are on alert and I hope they get some photos that I will be able to share here.

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his wonderful photos with you here. To see much more of Paul's photography, here's the link to his web site: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/

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Visitors from around the world visit the Point Arena Lighthouse. It's one of the jewels of the Coast. Recently Rick and I revisited the Lighthouse and visitor center. Oh boy, did we have a beautiful day for our visit.

In the visitor center/museum you can learn about the history of the Lighthouse and the magnificent Fresnel lens. Here Bill Brown, aka Lighthouse Willie, shows us the lens that used to be at the top of the Lighthouse.

The display gives more information on the custom lens. Every Lighthouse had a different light so captains could tell which Lighthouse they were passing.

 The stairs up to the top of the lighthouse are steep and winding but there are several platforms to catch your breath.

And you will need your breath for the views!  Below Ron LeValley photographed the crater known as Devil's Punch Bowl.

To learn more about the Point Arena Lighthouse, here's the link: http://www.pointarenalighthouse.com/

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