Sightings

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Marilyn Green spotted this Bat Star, Patiria miniata, on the beach, rather than in the water.

Robert Van Syoc confirmed the ID and wrote, "They are common in the shallow subtidal zone along the coast. They are scavengers that can travel over sand, as well as rock bottoms.

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

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Mary Sue Ittner photographed the charming Siberian Candyflower, Claytonia sibirica. It's a member of the Purslane Family.

Candyflower grows in moist, shaded areas. The petals have been described as pink candy striped.

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

While a fog bank lurks over the Pacific Ocean, we are having a breezy, sunny day. The coast is full with visitors, including many abalone divers who were excited to dive for red treasure, especially with the morning's minus tides.

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Jan McCormick recently photographed two beautiful newborn Fawns with their mother, the essence of cuteness. With the newborn Fawns, this is the time of year to drive slowly, as Fawns follow their mothers when crossing a road, especially Highway 1.And Craig Tooley spotted this healthy-looking Buck in velvet.

Velvet is a membrane that nourishes the growth of the bones that make up the antler. With all the rains we had, there will be plenty of food for the Black-tailed Deer that also call the Mendonoma coast their home.

Thanks to Jan and Craig for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com

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Lloyd Chasey kayaked from Anchor Bay Beach on a calm day recently. Here's what he said, “I had been waiting for a calm day on the ocean and had a chance on Thursday. I was just off Fish Rocks with the Loons flying overhead on the migration, and the Murres nesting on Fish Rocks. It was great to be out on the water.” What Lloyd didn't mention were the two beautiful Ling Cod he caught from his kayak.

Lloyd looks pretty darn happy, don't you think?

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

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Amy Ruegg photographed two members of the Orchid family, Merten's Coralroot and Spotted Coralroot. They depend on fungi for the nutrients they need. First is the Merten's.

And here is the Spotted.

Because they need fungi in the soil to thrive, they cannot be transplanted. If you find one, just admire it and feel fortunate that you got to see one!

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