Sightings

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Harbor Seal pups are being born on secluded beaches. While the mothers are busy with their sweet pups, it looks like the males were hanging out together at Gualala Point Regional Park.

Mark Hancock wrote, “Laverne and I went for a hike, hoping to see the Bald eagles – we didn’t, Gray Whales – we did, and walk the beach to the river mouth.

“We were delighted to see 40 Harbor Seals hauled out on the north end of the river mouth, or in the river itself, so we laid out our picnic on the south bank and watched the seals. One of the bigger ones was unhappy that ‘his’ spot was occupied, and he chased the occupant away and into the river.

“We were particularly amused by how the Harbor Seals raised their head and tails when the waves came over the top of the beach and flowed down through where they were laid out.”

Here's two favorite photos of Harbor Seals, both taken by Robert Scarola a few years ago. The first shows a seal managing not to get swept off the rock by the surf. The second shows what bliss it is to be on the Mendonoma coast!

Thanks to Mark and Robert for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Jon Loveless recently photographed this Tom Turkey displaying his beautiful feathers to a very disinterested Hen.

You can often see this along Highway 1 this time of year, especially in the meadows of The Sea Ranch. I sure hope that female wild turkey gives him an approving look. He is rocking his feathers for her!

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

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Wildflower season begins early on the Mendonoma coast. One of our longest bloomers is the Douglas Iris. Marsha Dupre recently photographed some.

Barbara Rice found Indian Warriors.

Bea Hoover photographed Wild Ginger.

And Jutta Leibrock found Common Camas.

We have had rain showers this weekend, which will be wonderful for all the beautiful wildflowers. I was told on a wildflower walk led by Julia Larke that 45 different species of wildflowers were found at our new public access spot, Pelican Bluffs. That's amazing!

Thanks to all above who have allowed me to share their photos with you here.

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One sign of spring is the appearance of the first Harbor Seal pups.Here's a photo of a newborn pup. It's important to keep humans and dogs off the beaches where these pups are born. At The Sea Ranch, near Shell Beach, docents are on the bluffs to inform people about their presence.

Here the newborn is nursing. Doesn't the mom look blissful?

And lambs appear at The Sea Ranch flock. Life is good when all you have to do is munch the fresh grasses!

I'll be sharing more photos of spring with you in the days ahead. Thanks to Allen for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see more of Allen's nature photography, here is his website: http://allenvinson.smugmug.com/

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Andy Moore recently spotted a Red-tailed Hawk perched in a tree.

Perhaps the red-tail was enjoying the sunny weather!

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