Sightings

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Larain Matheson stopped on a trip down the coast to photograph this lovely sight through her windshield. You can see the Russian River entering the Pacific Ocean. And the headlands are draped in fog.

Highway One, with it's curves and cliffs, can be scary for some to drive. Many of us who live on the Mendonoma coast just resolve to take our time and enjoy the beautiful vistas.

This afternoon we are getting a little rain. As it hasn't rained in February before today, we are grateful for any wet stuff Mother Nature gives.

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

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Teresa Denniston was watching for Gray Whales recently. Their southward migration is in full swing. Teresa saw this Gray Whale spyhopping, a thrilling sight.

Here is a photo her husband, Rick, took from their home overlooking the Gualala River and the Pacific Ocean of another Gray Whale spyhopping.

I saw a spyhopping Gray Whale once, off of Biehler Point on The Sea Ranch. The whale was so quiet, took a quick look, and then just as quietly sank back down into the water. I almost doubted what I saw!

Thanks to Teresa and Rick for allowing me to share their photos with  you here. Their home is called Serendipity and is available as a short-term rental. You can see it at this link: http://rentals.coastinghome.com/rns/property/Serendipit.aspx

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Milkmaids, Cardamine californica, are members of the Mustard Family. They are one of the earliest blooming wildflowers on the Mendonoma coast. Jinx McCombs recently found one in bloom.

Western Trilliums, Trillium ovatum, are up too! Rick and I found a half dozen today in the forest. Members of the Lily Family, they are sometimes called Wake Robin because their bloom can coincide with American Robins returning from their wintering grounds. Here is one just appearing on the forest floor.

Native wildflowers are a treat to find. Thanks to Jinx for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

We are having warm, dry weather. It doesn't feel like winter here on the Mendonoma coast today. No rain in the forecast for the next week. We may have to start planning for a rain dance.

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Eric Zetterholm was photographing one of the two Bald Eagles seen this winter at the Gualala River. The Bald Eagle made a perfect landing on a snag in the river.

Then the Bald Eagle flew over to a group of Harbor Seals that were hauled out on the sandbar of the river. Look at the eagle craning his or her neck to view the seals.

Eric couldn't believe what he saw next. The Bald Eagle picked up a long stick, flew to the seals and DROPPED the stick on the seals!

We can only speculate why the Bald Eagle did this. Was there was some food - a fish, perhaps - on the sandbar with the seals? Or perhaps this eagle just didn't like the seals being in his or her territory? Fascinating stuff!

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

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January 31st brought us a celestial event to remember. Skies were completely clear on the Mendonoma coast. Photographer Paula Power took photos of the event. Here is the Blood Moon, the full moon in a lunar eclipse.

It was amazing to see the stars so vibrant during the eclipse. Paula captured some of that night-time magic.

Paula then photographed the moon as the eclipse was finishing.

It was quite an experience to witness this event. Fun fact: the second full moon in a month is called a Blue Moon. That doesn't occur too often, hence the expression, "Once in a blue moon."

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