Sightings

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Jim Corbett photographed the sun-loving California Sea Lion. The Sea Lion looks pretty happy there on the breakwater.

Rebecca Stanley found a Sea Lion pup in distress. He was huddled up against a driftwood structure on the beach at Irish Beach. Poor little fellow.

Rebecca did the correct thing - she called the Marine Mammal Center (415)289-7325). They sent a trained local to assess the situation. The decision was to take the sick pup to the Marine Mammal Center. He has been named Qi. He was separated from his mother and very malnourished. He will likely be at the Center for several months and then hopefully released back to sea. You can check on Qi at: http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/

Thanks to Jim and Rebecca for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

Another beautiful sunny day here, but that is about to change as a series of storms is headed our way!

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Anne Mary Schaefer is a talented photographer. She recently captured a scene of great beauty at Cooks Beach with the vibrant colors of the sunset reflected in the Pacific Ocean, the creek and the sand.

Just lovely! This moment brought to you by the Mendonoma Coast. And, of course, Anne Mary. I thank her for allowing me to share her photo with you here. She is a talented pet photographer. Visit her website to learn more about her at this link: https://www.pawpawrazzipetphotography.com/about-me

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On Thursday late morning I looked up at something white in a very tall tree on the east side of Highway One in downtown Gualala. And I had my long lens camera with me, though my photos could be clearer. Until I focused my camera I didn't realize there were two Bald Eagles - they were standing so close together.

They seemed very interested with the comings and goings of the humans far below. I entitled the first photo, "Watching over Gualala." The female is bigger than the male, so I think she is perched behind the male. What a treat to see them!

It's warm (low 60's) with thin high clouds today. Mushrooms are appearing. On a forage this morning I found two matsutakes (one over the hill), two clumps of sweet tooth hedgehogs, the first bellybutton hedgehog and a handful of candy caps. Gifts from the forest.

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Amy Ruegg found an early Wild Ginger, Asarum caudatum, in bloom. They are  members of the Pipevine Family, and they are found in moist forests.

These plants don't actually have petals; they have three maroon sepals that are often hidden under the heart-shaped leaves. The leaves give this native wildflower its common name of Wild Ginger. Rub them gently to release a ginger scent.

Banana Slugs and Ants play a role in pollinating this beautiful plant, carrying its seeds to new locations in the forest. They are low growers, so you need to pay attention. Amy photographed this Wild Ginger on a trail on The Sea Ranch last weekend.

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

Once again we are having nothing but blue skies and warm temps. Many Gray Whales are being seen in this calm stretch of weather. They are headed southward for the birthing and mating lagoons off of Baja. It's always a thrill to see spouts out on the ocean.

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Jackie Sones wrote, "The ocean has been pretty stormy lately, which means there's foam near shore. And where there's foam, there are bubbles. When there are bubbles, it's hard for me to resist taking a few photos. So here you go - a selection of bubble close-ups from Jan. 19, 2019.

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Who knew there was so much beauty in a sea foam bubble? Well, Jackie did! You can follow her wonderful blog at this link: https://bodegahead.blogspot.com/

I thank Jackie for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

Blue skies today with a cool breeze!