Sightings

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Abalones are struggling. The voracious Purple Sea Urchins are eating the Abalones' food source, which is kelp. To survive, Abalones have moved closer to shore, which brings problems for them too. But the Urchins can't survive in the wave action, so the Abalones have a measure of safety there - unless big surf knocks them up on the beach. Marilyn Green recently photographed a group of them during a recent low tide.

 

We see signs of imbalance in the ocean. And we also see signs of balance returning, like seeing more Sea Stars. We will continue to watch and learn.

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

Today is a rainbow day, and tomorrow brings a big storm for late in the day. As I type this, I can see a storm cloud on the ocean, dark with rain, and headed my way! Not a good time to take a walk.

 

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Several people have reported seeing these beautiful little warblers. Craig Tooley found a Townsend's Warbler recently.

Bob Rutemoeller got a couple of photos of Townsend's Warblers at the Gualala Bluff Trail.

These small warblers breed to our north, but we get to see them this time of year as they overwinter on the coast. They forage for insects, usually high in tree tops. They have a distinctive, high-pitched call, which you can listen to at this link: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Townsends_Warbler/sounds

Thanks to Craig and Bob for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com

The King Tides are happening now through Sunday, larger than normal high tides. That means minus tides to balance out the equation. Minus tides give you a window into tide pools usually covered in water.

Sunny, cool weather with rain coming in tonight. I love winter!

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A lone bull Roosevelt Elk has been hanging out with domestic cattle near the town of Elk for several years. Ron Bolander photographed the big fellow resting in a meadow.

Scott Mercer found him nearer to the town of Irish Beach recently.

We hope a female or two will find their way to him as the domestic cattle herd doesn't qualify for his harem!

Thanks to Ron and Scott for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

Rain overnight, brilliantly sunny today - kind of sounds like Camelot, doesn't it?

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Bob Rutemoeller photographed some of the huge surf off the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands on December 26th. I was amazed to see the arches so inundated with water and foam.

Here is what they usually look like. This photo was taken by Laura Cover in a calmer moment.

Bob also photographed several big waves coming in. The Pacific Ocean was LOUD that day!

Thanks to Bob and Laura for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

It's sunny today, and it looks like there are no clouds on the horizon. If so, there may be a green flash at sunset today!

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Gaily Jackson was up early and she headed for Gualala Point Regional Park. She photographed the Serge, the ceremonial posts carved and dedicated by the wood carvers of the Sakha Republic.

The Serge looks beautiful morning light. You can learn more about these posts at this link: https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Visit/Gualala-Point-Regional-Park/Serge-Posts/

Gaily also photographed the Gualala River, showing the iconic Mill Bend.

And the dawn.

We are very lucky to have this beautiful park here in Gualala, and a wonderful photographer to show its beauty. Thanks to Gaily for allowing me to share her photos with you here. To see much more of her nature photography, here is her website: http://gailyimages.com/

We had some surprise rain this morning, but this afternoon is splashed in sunshine.