Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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Soon after Rick and I moved to the Mendocino Coast we found this magnificent old growth Sequoia Sempervirens or Coast Redwood. We were nearly overcome with awe and delight when we first saw it and even now, after 15 years, we still get a thrill every time we hike down to see it. It is on a neighboring property. Our area was logged in the 1880's. This giant wasn't taken because it wasn't straight; it grew in a twisty fashion. Rick is in the first picture to give you some idea of how big this beautiful tree is. About halfway up a limb grows as big as a second growth tree. It's perfectly straight. The top was blown off in a storm many years ago. Who knows how old this tree is? Many hundreds of years and perhaps even a thousand years old. What stories it could tell...

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Brandt's Cormorants are busy building nests on Gualala Point Island just off the Sonoma coast. Craig Tooley photographed one in breeding plumage. You can see the blue throat patch - a sign this bird is ready to mate. I'm also showing you a picture taken by Rich Kuehn of storm driven waves crashing over the island taken several months ago. Brandt's Cormorant nest rather late. They instinctively know not to build their nests too soon. These birds were scared off their nests in 2006 and 2007 when a group decided to shoot off fireworks in Gualala for the 4th of July. Some places just don't work for fireworks, at least in nesting season - some places are for the birds!

 To see more of Craig's photos: http://web.me.com/theruffians1

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The first Pussy Ears I've seen this year is blooming amidst a sea of pine needles on the edge of a dirt road here in Mendocino County. Such a delicate little flower with a single, slender green leaf. It is a treat to find this native California wildflower. It's a perennial herb and is a member of the Lily family. Want to impress family and friends with its Latin name? Be my guest! It is Calochortus tolmiei. Say it fast three times.

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A mother Gray Whale and her calf were photographed by Richard Denniston from his vacation home, Serendipity, which overlooks the Gualala River and the Pacific Ocean. Rick has shared some fabulous photos of whales with Sightings over the past several years from this vantage spot. Looking for a special place to rent? This is it! http://www.serendipityview.com/

 There had been numerous Gray Whale sightings until the winds began several days ago. Hundreds of whales could be passing by and we'd never know because of the white caps. Last week though, a Minke Whale was spotted swimming with two female Gray Whales and two calves for protection. They were, of course, migrating north. Lots of krill reported in the waters off of Point Arena, which means good feeding for our beloved cetaceans.

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The late rains have given the Mendonoma Coast a fantastic wildflower season. Wild rhododendrons and azaleas continue to bloom in abundance though today's wind won't be kind to them. Salt Point State Park is in Sonoma County is one of my favorite parks. It spans many miles on both sides of Highway One. (Note to our elected leaders: To have this or any state park closed is a travesty.) John Sperry kindly allowed me to share his photo of the wildflowers now blooming on the bluffs.