Sightings

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Gail Jackson noticed this Peregrine Falcon in a tree at Gualala Point Regional Park. The falcon was soaked from the rain.

This falcon doesn't look too happy! Here's a photo of a Peregrine Falcon soaring, taken by Michael Beattie. This Peregrine had much better weather for hunting.

Thanks to Gail and Michael for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

We've had a storm overnight and another one today. We have soared past 26 inches season to date at our place in Anchor Bay. Up ahead for next week? Sunny and mild!

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Bob Rutemoeller went down to the Gualala Bluff Trail to assess how it fared during the big storm. Nearly three inches of rain fell within 36 hours. The Trail was unharmed but Bob found the river strongly flowing out to the Pacific Ocean.

Here you can see the sandbar is almost completely covered with the raging river.

We have more rain today and another storm for tomorrow, Sunday. Then there will be a stretch of mild, sunny weather - the perfect time to be on the Mendonoma coast.

Thanks to Bob for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To learn more about the Gualala Bluff Trail, here is the website of the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy: http://www.rc-lc.org/

You can also learn about the other Coastal Access spots under their auspices. I'm a big fan of RCLC and enjoy the Trail, Cooks Beach and Hearn Gulch on a regular basis.

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Michael Beattie wrote, “It was just a wonderful day at the Lands today, January 1. We see these two Coyotes on an almost daily basis. They seem to be keeping the Gophers in check. The one we originally saw actually called the second one to their side, and it came quickly from an unseen hideout.”

Here's a close-up of one of the healthy-looking Coyotes.

And here is where the one Coyote was calling to the other one.

Michael also reports a pair of Peregrine Falcons are back at a rocky island off the Lands. He wrote, “I’ve located the old Stornetta pair, and keeping them safe by not visiting too closely.”

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

Lots of rain from this morning's storm, over one inch. Much more headed our way soon.

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These rock formations are revealed at low tides. You will see why they are called bowling balls. Don Hess captured this lovely sight near sunset as a storm was arriving.

To learn more about Bowling Ball Beach, which is part of Schooner Gulch State Park, here is the link: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=446

Thanks to Don for allowing me to share his photo with  you here.

It's stormy here this afternoon - lots of dark clouds and some wind, but little rain yet.

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Yesterday Rick and I checked a spot where we know Matsutakes come up. We've already found seven a week or so ago. Here's what caught my eye. A mound of duff pushed up and a glimpse of white.

When I cleared off the duff, look at what I found!

I also found a Sweet Tooth Hedgehog mushroom nearby, the first Hedgehog I've found this season.

Gifts from the forest!