Sightings

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Brown pelicans continue to be seen heading north, while other birds have begun their southward migration. Grace O'Malley photographed a long string of Brown pelicans on a foggy day. You can see the wonderful Benny Bufano statue, which resides at Timber Cove Inn, in the background.

Necklace of Brown pelicans in the fog by Grace O'Malley

Here is a photo by Craig Tooley of an adult Brown pelican and a juvenile. Adults have white heads and dark underparts. Juveniles, born earlier this year to our south, have brown heads and white underparts.

Juvenile and an adult Brown JUL Pelican by Craig Tooley

We have had a very foggy August, and many are looking forward to our usually warm and bright September.

Thanks to Grace and Craig for allowing me to share their photos 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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Eddie Mikus recently spotted a beautiful Bobcat strolling through a meadow.

Bobcat by Eddie MikusI've learned the each bobcat has unique markings on its coat, just like our fingerprints are unique to each of us.

Bocats are also good climbers. For evidence, I submit Judy Mello's photo of a bobcat climbing a very tall fence at the B. Bryan Preserve in Point Arena.

Bobcat climbing the Giraffe fence by Judy MelloBobcats are often seen in the daylight here on the Mendonoma coast.

Thanks to Eddie and Judy for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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There is a creek that can be found about a 1/4 or so of the way in from Lighthouse Road. Some years it cascades over the bluff edge creating a beautiful waterfall. Right now it is flowing into a crack in the bluff. The edge creates a nice little pond for Western gulls to take a bath.

Western gulls bathing in a creek at the Lands by Jeanne Jackson

Here is a short clip of the wave action.

Rocks and waves off the Lands by Jeanne Jackson

A strange-looking twisty flower caught my eye. It's not the best photo, but it is Lady's Tresses, Spiranthes romanzoffiana, one of our native orchids. There are several others coming up to join this bluff orchid.

Lady's Tresses by Jeanne JacksonAnd a view of some of the dramatic rocks and bluffs at the Lands, with the Point Arena Lighthouse in the background.

Point Arena-Stornetta Lands by Jeanne JacksonThe Point Arena-Stornetta Lands are a Mendonoma Coast treasure!

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Rozann Grunig photographed this Great Blue Heron soaring over rocks at The Sea Ranch.

Great Blue Heron soars by Rozann GrunigYou can see this big bird's reflection on the rocks below. Great Blue Herons are year round residents of the Mendonoma coast.

Thanks to Rozann for allowing me to share her photo with you here. To see more of Rozann's nature photography, here is her website: http://highway1designs.com/

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Acmon Blue butterflies, Plebejus acmon, have a delicate beauty. They are quite tiny, just .8 to 1 inch wingspan. Perhaps many of us pass by without noticing them, but not Mark Ricci.

Acmon Blue butterfly, Plebejus acmon, by Mark Ricci Acmon Blue butterfly nectaring by Mark Ricci Acmon Blue butterfly by Mark RicciThis butterfly is found mostly in California, but can be seen north to Oregon and south to Baja.

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