We had an odd storm come through on Wednesday 9/24, odd in that it moved from east to west. That gave the perfect conditions for a rainbow at dusk.
First is the beauty taken by Paul Brewer in Gualala.
And this beautiful rainbow taken by Cathleen Crosby at the south end of Gualala.
And finally Roxanne Holmes caught magic at Shell Beach at The Sea Ranch.
Brown pelicans are so much fun to watch. They ride the wind currents over the bluffs and rocky islands in the ocean. Steve Woolson recently photographed these pelicans headed south.
Jon Shiu photographed many brown pelicans resting on the bluffs and rocks at the Mendocino Headlands.
Through my spotting scope, I can see a hundred of more brown pelicans resting overnight on Fish Rocks off Anchor Bay. And the Gualala River, with its big sandbar, plays host to hundreds every day recently.
They will soon head south to their breeding grounds and I will miss them until they return in the spring.
Thanks to Steve and Jon for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
Yesterday we had a storm rumbled through. 1.18 inches at Rick's and my place. 3.41 inches season to date. Today it is cool - mid 50's - with some showers. The sunset could be amazing!
Pete and Kathie Hayes were thrilled when a humpback whale began slapping its tail on the surface of the ocean. Pete wrote, “My wife and I have been seeing so many whales from Wild Iris, Sea Ranch, particularly yesterday and today, the 29th and 30th. In addition to spouting, we've seen whales appearing to slap their tails in the water. Often multiple times. First, can you please help us identify what kind of whale this is? And second, can anyone explain why they are doing this?”
Pete sent in a video of the multiple tail slaps, which you can view here.
Humpback whale tail slapping by Peter Hayes
Whale expert, Scott Mercer, confirmed the sighting as humpback whales. I learned as a humpback slaps its tail, the theory is the loud noise causes fish to become frightened, resulting in a tightened school, making it easier for the humpbacks to feed. It’s also thought to be communication as the loud sound created by the slap can travel long distances underwater. And maybe it’s just fun!
Thanks to Peter for allowing me to share his photo and video with you here.
A few showers this morning, and several rainbows blessed us with their beauty. It's sunny and cool this afternoon. Yesterday's rain was only 0.05 inches at Rick's and my place in Anchor Bay, but in Point Arena Linda Bostwick had 1.10 inches! There were some cells with a LOT of rain in them, while other places only got a splash or two.
Many of us love this time of year. The light is so richly golden. James Corbett caught a recent sunset with a Brown Pelican and a handful of Gulls. Life is good on the Mendonoma Coast!
Thanks to James for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
After several days of balmy weather, it cooled off today. It almost feels like rain but so far no wet stuff!
Mel Smith was hiking alongside the Gualala River when he came across this Redwood stump amidst second and third generation trees. Mel titled it "Still reaching for the sky!"
Thanks to Mel for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
Today is a perfect autumn day here on the Mendonoma Coast. Sunny with a few clouds and a light breeze.