A pair of Acorn Woodpeckers showed up at our feeder in Anchor Bay with three fledglings. Rick and I have been enjoying hearing and watching them. For the past two weeks the parents have been practicing tough love, pecking at the young ones and flying away when they begged for food. It looks like the tough love has paid off as the young Acorns were at our feeder this weekend.
My best to you this lovely day! Jeanne Jackson
Nudibranchs are very colorful Sea Slugs. You won't believe your eyes when you see Ken's photographs! They look like alien beings. Living on the Mendonoma Coast, I look out over the ocean. I never dreamed these creatures were hidden beneath the water. Thanks to underwater photographer Ken Bailey for allowing me to share his photos here. Also thanks to writer David Behrens for the ID of these beautiful Nudibranchs.
Clown Dorid - Triopha catalinae
David says this last one is rare and isn't seen north of Monterey. Ken told me he may have photographed it down there or "maybe he's a good swimmer."
There's something about Bumblebees that makes me smile. It could be the unlikely fact that they can actually fly, or the sounds they make as they travel from blossom to blossom, or the fact they are important pollinators.
The Yellow-faced Bumblebee is a slow moving creature. It's known as the summer bee. It is a California native but it is also found in Oregon and Washington, the two states to our north. They need untilled land for their nests and native plants on which to feed. In turn they will pollinate food crops such as cherry tomatoes, watermelons and sunflowers.
Here you will see one feeding on a hydrangea blossom in my garden. You go, mighty Bumblebee!
Tom Reynolds photographed this female Western Bluebird with her fledgling. The baby looks like it is asking where is the food. Bluebirds tirelessly bring insects to their young. Perhaps it's time for junior to hunt for his or her own tasty morsels.
Have you ever thought how important insects are as a food source? They are extremely important!
C'Anna Bergman-Hill recently visited the Stornetta Lands with her camera in tow. There is much to explore on this 1132 acre paradise, with 2 miles of oceanfront. I've previously posted a photo of the lovely waterfall that can be found there. C'Anna's photos will show you more of this beautiful spot on the Mendocino Coast.
Here is an offshore rock with a tunnel.
