Sightings

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Frank Coster had his tripod and camera set up on one of the pullouts off Highway One, just above Jenner. That is where two Bald Eagles have been seen in recent years. They often fish for Pacific Lampreys, a fish that is thin and long, up to three feet long. Frank saw the Bald Eagle fly towards a Sea Lion, which had a Lamprey in its mouth.

The brash eagle then dove towards the Sea Lion, his talons extended and ready to grab his meal.

Here the Bald Eagle steals the Lamprey from the Sea Lion.

And then Bald Eagle flies off with his spoils.

The disappointed Sea Lion then dives, perhaps looking for a meal he or she can keep.

What a great series of photos! I thank Frank for allowing me to share them here with you. Frank also collaborated with me for a feature about Bald Eagles in yesterday's Press Democrat. You can read my article and see some of Frank's other wonderful Bald Eagle photos at this link: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/lifestyle/7855159-181/bald-eagles-making-a-comeback

And you can view other dramatic photos taken by Frank at this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ynegrwr/

 

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John Batchelder photographed a beautiful Ferruginous Hawk during the Sea Ranch annual Christmas bird count. We only see this large hawk in the wintertime. John told me this hawk wasn't squawking at him; it was yawning.

It's funny, but I've never thought of a bird yawning! John also photographed the hawk soaring seemingly effortlessly through the sky.

This is a light-morph Ferruginous Hawk due to the white underparts you can clearly see in the second photo. Their call is more of a scream and you can listen to it here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ferruginous_Hawk/sounds

Thanks to John for allowing me to share his photos with us here.

 

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A big storm drenched the Mendonoma coast yesterday, and blustery showers continue today. Craig Tooley photographed the dramatic scene.

Rick and I received 3.90 inches of rain from the main storm. We also found our first Candy Cap and Hedgehog mushrooms this morning, two of our favorites! Many more mushrooms to come in the days ahead.

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: www.ruffimage.com

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Satori Ivy captured this photo of the Point Arena Lighthouse. Holiday lights, wrapped around the Tower, are reflected in the Pacific Ocean - just beautiful.

I thank Satori for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

To learn more about our favorite lighthouse, and the accommodations available, here is the link: http://pointarenalighthouse.com/

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Grace O'Malley photographed this Song Sparrow perched on a rock, singing.

We had warm, dry weather for December. Perhaps this sparrow thought it was spring and time to sing for a mate! He will be hunkered down today as we have some much needed rain.

These sparrows have a sweet call, which you can listen to at this site: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Song_Sparrow/sounds

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