Sightings

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This native plant is found in moist seeps, and in shady canyons and forests. Mary Sue Ittner has photographed these plants in a series of three photos. First is the flower in bud.

And here you can see the flower. They kind of look like little, white pompoms.

And here you will see Bob Rutemoeller walking down a shady path lined on either side by Coltsfoot. Looks like a wonderful trail to hike!

Thanks to Mary Sue for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

Sunny with high clouds today, and cooler by at least ten degrees.

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Yes, the first Harbor Seal pups have made their appearance in secluded coves. One area where they are born is at Tidepool Rookery off The Sea Ranch, another area is by the Point Arena Lighthouse/Point Arena Stornetta Lands. After the birth, the mother and pup touch noses. Sara Bogard recently witnessed a birth, and she photographed this photo which she entitled, "A Mother's Kiss." The mother is on the left.

A sweet, loving photo for you today. Thanks to Sara for allowing me to share it with you.

A few words of warning: never "rescue" a pup you might see along on the beach. The mother leaves her sweet pup to go feed. Also, make sure your dogs are leashed, or better yet, leave them behind if viewing Harbor Seals now. Make no noise or sudden movement, and you will be rewarded with a blissful sighting.

Another warm spring day here on the Mendonoma coast, with high clouds. Spring doesn't know...

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Craig Tooley wrote, "This Little possum is one of those creatures I don't often get the opportunity to see and even less of an opportunity to photograph. Some people don't care for them, but as I was brought up on Dr. Seuss it reminds me of characters of my childhood. I managed to get a few pictures of it as it was foraging around some landscape lighting, much to my delight!

Opossums are marsupials and they quite beneficial in the environment. They prey on cockroaches, rats, and mice, and...THEY EAT TICKS! One Opossum can eat 5,000 ticks a season. You can read about their role to play at this link to the National Wildlife Foundation: https://blog.nwf.org/2017/06/opossums-unsung-heroes-in-the-fight-against-ticks-and-lyme-disease/

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.ruffimage.com 

Craig's photos are featured in our book, Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year, which is available at the Four-eyed Frog Books  https://www.foureyedfrog.com/ or on the homepage of this website. It's a beautiful book that will bring you visually to the Mendonoma Coast.

ooo, today is just a beautiful day. The birdsong this morning was a balm. We are at 75 degrees, light breeze and nothing but sunshine today.

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Paul Brewer takes some wonderful sunset photos. This time the view to the south held all the color.

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood - yes, we recently watched that excellent film with Tom Hanks. We loved it. It's sunny with gentle breezes today. You'd think it was a normal spring day...

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Our access to parks and beaches continues to be restricted, but Roxanne Holmes knows how to make lemonade at Shell Beach on The Sea Ranch. She wrote, “For years, I have loved going down to the beach every evening to enjoy the close-up view of the waves crashing, seals bobbing, adults imbibing, kids shrieking, and dogs cavorting. Now the beach is closed. That is sad, but it has caused me to find vantage points to look at the beach from spots that are more remote, elevated, and unvisited.When I did that recently, I saw the beach, for the first time, without any footprints at all. There is a unique beauty in that"

"And twelve hours later, the same beach was covered in footprints – but they were made by cavorting deer. Perhaps the deer are happy to have the beach to themselves!”

Thanks to Roxanne for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

Today is a most spectacular day - sunshine to warm us when we could use a little warmth. No sign of the Easter Bunny.

Spring doesn't know...