Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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The Ospreys that raised two young in the nest in front of us have gone, along with their two fledglings. I haven't seen or heard an Osprey for a week or so. It appears they have migrated south. It is possible that an Osprey or two will remain during the winter. One stayed over winter near The Sea Ranch several years ago. But the great majority migrate to warmer climes in Central and South America.

Robert Scarola captured a photo of an Osprey with a fish several weeks ago. It's going to have to hold us until the Ospreys return to grace us with their presence next spring.

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

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Tuesday's sunset was beautiful with the first few storm clouds we've seen in quite a while. The rain stayed off shore but the clouds always make for a dramatic sunset. This one came with a golden path.

And the sunrise painted in pastels was a vision in loveliness. Can you see the top of Fish Rocks? The sun is just beginning to light it up. It's at the bottom left of the photo below. There is an active Sea Lion colony there and on calm days - and nights - the sound of the males barking can be heard. Things will settle down soon when the males move away for the winter months and give the females and their pups a break.

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Peter Baye was kayaking on the Navarro River when he saw this adult Black-crowned Night Heron.

Peter let his kayak drift towards the Heron and didn't move. As he said, it worked! Peter got a great photo. I love the reflection in the river.

Several years ago Peter photographed the juvenile below. There sure is quite a difference in coloring.

Kayaking on one of the Coast's wild rivers - sounds idyllic, doesn't it? Thanks to Peter for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

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Roland Pesch found a small group of Rattlesnake Plantain, Goodyera oblongifolia. This wildflower is uncommon in our area. It gets it common name by the coloring of its leaves. Roland's photo, however, only shows the lovely blossoms.

You might look for this summer blooming wildflower along trails in dry forest floors. I have only seen this wildflower once. It was growing amidst huckleberries and manzanita on a neighbor's property. Unfortunately a Deer ate the entire plant and I haven't seen it bloom since.

This wildflower grows in greater abundance to our north. It is native to Oregon. Thanks to Roland for sharing his photograph with us here.

To see a very rare wildflower, here is the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/10/03/gentian-blue-a-rare-wildflower-by-coastal-photographer-craig-tooley/

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We share the Mendonoma Coast with Gray Foxes. Their kits are among the cutest critters around. Jim Garlock recently photographed this sweet scene near his home in Gualala where the Mother Fox was grooming her kit.

To see a photo of  newborn Gray Fox Kits, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/06/02/gray-fox-kits-are-being-born-now-on-the-beautiful-mendonoma-coast/

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