There are 1000 or so California native bees. I recently watched one of them pollinating the blossoms on my tomato plants here in Anchor Bay. When it went into each blossom it gave a whirring sound just like a small drill. Will Erickson identified it for me - it's a female Solitary Digger Bee, Anthophora species. This native bee is a ground nester. She was indeed a busy little bee as my plants are full of blossoms. Nice to get some garden help from this beneficial bee!
Ten Mile Dunes is found north of Fort Bragg. On a recent visit Peter Baye photographed four rare wildflowers. I've already shared two of them with you. Here are the other two.
Mendocino Coast Indian Paintbrush - Castilleja mendocinensis - is a perennial herb that only is found in California and Oregon. It is endangered and needs protection from non-native plants. Look how lovely it is.
Round-headed Chinese Houses is the common name for Collinsia corymbosa - an annual herb that is only found on the coastline of Northern California. It too is listed as endangered. These wildflowers are truly special. Thanks to Peter Baye for allowing me to share them here!
This morning the fog hugged the coastline with blue sky just a bit to the east. A large group of Brown Pelicans flew by headed north. This photo was taken south of Schooner Gulch State Beach and Bowling Ball State Beach. If you are living with high temperatures today, perhaps this photo will bring you a bit of cooling fog.
Harbor Seals come to a safe cove on The Sea Ranch and other secluded places on the Mendonoma Coast in the spring. They are very endearing, which makes for some wonderful photos. Craig Tooley sent me this sweet photo showing the interaction and love between a pup and its mom.
To see more of Craig's photos, go to: http://web.me.com/theruffians1
One of my favorite birds on the Mendonoma Coast is the Swainson's Thrush. Its flute-like calls are wonderful to hear, always ending on a high note. To listen for yourself, here's a link from Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/swainsons_thrush/sounds
Robert Schwein discovered a nest with three eggs. They are completely blue with no flecks of brown, which is a bit unusual. However the babies didn't care. Robert watched them fledge a few days ago.
American Goldfinches arrive in the spring, delighting us with their beauty. Jeff and Pearl Watts had a Goldfinch nest in the wreath hanging on their door! Here's a photo of the young birds in the nest.
Thanks to the Watts and Robert Schwein for allowing me to share their photos.