Emmy Plischke recently photographed this rock that looks a lot like the head of a horse at Fort Ross. Thanks to Emmy for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
This year is the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Russian settlement at Fort Ross. The buildings have been beautifully restored and it is now a California State Park. I will be posting photos of this historic site soon. There are many exciting activities commemorating the 200th anniversary.
The wildlife preserve in Point Arena is once again welcoming new life. Two newborn Sable Antelopes have joined the herd.
Judy Mello, one of the owners of the Preserve, reports they are healthy and running all over the place. Did you know there are guest quarters at the preserve? Talk about a different vacation - helping endangered species and getting a serious dose of cuteness all at the same time.
To learn more about the B. Bryan Preserve, here are several links: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/08/02/a-young-grevys-zebra-at-the-b-byran-preserve-in-point-arena/
And one of my favorite photos, Tula, the Golden Retriever, visiting her friends, the Grevy's Zebras: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2012/02/03/tula-a-golden-retriever-has-some-unusual-friends-at-the-b-bryan-preserve/
A Whimbrel, a large shorebird, recently stopped by on its migration to its breeding grounds far to our north. Rozann Grunig was there with her camera to record the event.
Just look at that beak, perfect for eating crabs. Thanks to Rozann for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
There is an extremely interesting article in Audubon's March-April magazine about a Whimbrel named Hope. Google it if you'd like to learn more. The story of her migration is absolutely amazing!
On a hike with Peter Baye and Will Ericson last Sunday - two of my Sightings experts - Rick and I showed them the ancient, twisted Redwood tree on a neighboring property. Peter declared it a forest god and said it was perhaps 2000 years old. I will give you the link below to see photos I have previously posted of this glorious tree.
We then visited our neighbors Frank and Nan Drouillard who showed us the most unusual growths on the forest floor.
I thought they were a type parasitic mushroom but after some research Peter believes the first photo is California Groundcones, Boschniakia strobilacea, a parasitic plant. Both plants are members of the broomrape family and live off the roots of Manzanita and Madrone, both of which are found on Frank and Nan's land. More study is needed to determine exactly what the white plants are.
Rick and I will hike down to this spot and monitor the progress in the weeks to come. And I will, of course, share the photos with you here.
Here is the link to see the "forest god" old-growth redwood tree: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/05/26/old-growth-redwood-tree-that-survived-the-loggers-because-it-grew-in-a-twisted-shape/
I love the name of this little wildflower - Tidy Tips. Of course its Latin name is a more serious - Layia platyglossa. This yellow wildflower with white tips is blooming now on Coastal bluffs. This flower is a California native, just like me.
Tidy Tip seeds are often found in wildflower mixes and you can see why. They are charming indeed.