Richard Kuehn watched a River Otter bring its catch to some rocks off of The Sea Ranch this week.
It didn't take long before a Western Gull arrived with larceny in its heart.
The River Otter backed off the Gull with a hearty snarl. "It's mine...get your own."
Thanks to Rich for allowing me to share these photos with you here.
We have several more storms lined up and then...and then...sunny and warmer! The much needed rain has been a blessing but we are ready for some springtime. This weekend looks like it will be spring incarnate. But the storms bring a chance for beautiful sunsets. Here is a recent one I photographed from our deck in Anchor Bay.
My best to you from the beautiful Mendonoma coast! Jeanne Jackson
Fly Amanitas, Amanita muscaria, usually fruit in December or perhaps January. But Ron Champoux found one sitting as pretty as you please on March 24th. As an experienced mushroom forager once said, "That's why wild mushrooms are called wild!"
Thanks to Ron for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see an Amanita muscaria holiday wreath, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/12/20/a-beautiful-fly-amanita-wreath-created-by-carol-kozal/ and to see a Fly Amanita shaped like a flying saucer, here is that link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2012/01/15/fly-amanita-that-looks-like-a-flying-saucer/
It was no joke! On April 1st huge swells hit the Mendonoma Coast and Robert Scarola was out with his camera to photograph them. He captured these twenty foot waves just south of Gualala Point. Thanks to Robert for allowing me to share the power of the Pacific Ocean with you here.
We have a vigorous storm headed our way, due to hit late tonight. The tall ships, the Hawaiian Chieftan and the Lady Washington, will be sailing from Bodega Bay past our coast tomorrow, perhaps in the afternoon. I sure hope the clouds will part and allow us a sighting of these elegant replicas of ships from the past.
Spring is really here when Ospreys return. The first Osprey was sighted several weeks ago and more have followed recently. Paul Brewer photographed one of the first to arrive near his home in Gualala and has kindly allowed me to share his photo with you here.
There are two active nests on our road and they are both in the process of being rebuilt and generally spiffed up. We can see one of the nests through our scope. Yesterday, while I watched, I saw the male Osprey fly in, land on top of the female who was sitting on the edge of the nest and mate. Wow, I'm a voyeur!
It is a joy to live where Ospreys choose to nest.