Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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Kate Bloch was at the right place to capture this beautiful photo of a breaching Humpback Whale. Just imagine you are in a little boat close to this big cetacean when the whale crashes back into the ocean. Talk about rocking the boat!

Copyright Kate Bloch 2023

Humpback Whales are feeding off the Mendonoma Coast now. Mothers have been seen with their calves. Scott Mercer tells me the calves will be going off on their own soon.

Thanks to Kate for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

It's sunny and warm here today, with the breeze picking up this afternoon. It's a great time to be on the Mendonoma Coast!

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It's so fun to watch Brown Pelicans plunge-dive for fish. They hit the water beak first! Jon Shiu photographed this awesome sight.

With many Brown Pelicans here, along with Humpback Whales, some with their calves, the waters off the Mendonoma Coast are abundant with feed - the food chain in action.

Thanks to Jon for allowing me to share his photo with you here. Another of Jon's photos will be in tomorrow's Independent Coast Observer. It shows the gular pouch of a Brown Pelican. Don't miss it! What? You aren't a subscriber??? You can remedy that by going to the ICO's website and subscribing. https://www.mendonoma.com/

Drippy fog was what dawn revealed this morning. There is still a lot of fog this afternoon, but the sun is trying to break through. Temps are in the 60's. There is very little wind and the ocean looks calm from my vantage point!

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Sara Bogard noticed this funny sighting. A little Purple Finch using a huge Cow as a resting place.

A bit of whimsy for you today.

Thanks to Sara for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

It was perfectly clear early this morning and then the fog began to appear mid morning. Mister Fog is keeping the temperatures nice and cool today. Huckleberries, which are wild blueberries, are in great abundance this year. They do well in the cooler weather too!

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Phil Lewenthal photographed the multitudes of Brown Pelicans off Galleon's Reach.

And Barbara Johannes photographed a group resting on an offshore rock

Paul Brewer gets the prize for the most Brown Pelicans in a photo with this snapshot from the mouth of the Gualala River.

Many of us love these prehistoric-looking birds. To see them glide by, using the wind currents, makes our heart sing.

Thanks to Phil, Barbara and Paul for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

It's sunny and breezy today - lots of whitecaps on the ocean this afternoon.

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Fringed Corn Lilies, Veratrum fimbriatum, are endemic to the Sonoma and Mendocino Coasts, actually the Mendonoma Coast! It is a California rare plant. Recently Bob Rutemoeller found several just beginning to bloom.

They are found in moist areas and are a treat to find. The leaves, so beautiful earlier in the year, are now often riddled with holes. Native plants feed native insects.

Thanks to Bob for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

The smoke from the northern fires left our area late Thursday afternoon. A small splattering of raindrops happened early this morning, leaving everything smelling fresh and beautiful. If this afternoon's gorgeous clouds stick around for the sunset, it could be amazing!