Sightings

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Paul Batchelder captured a sweet moment when he photographed this tiny fawn nursing. It had to reach up as high as it could to reach mom!

Newborn fawn nursing by Paul Batchelder

The holiday weekend is upon us and the coast is clear. Yes, no fog. It's going to be a wonderful time to be on the Mendonoma Coast!

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

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Denise Gilmer noticed this Caterpillar, and I must say it isn't pretty! That's a face only a mother could love.

American Painted Lady, Vanessa virginiensis, Caterpillar by Denise GilmerBut, like the ugly duckling, it turns into a beautiful butterfly, an American Painted Lady. The photo below was taken by Robert Van Syoc.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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

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They are called parasitic plants because they feed off of tree-nourished soil fungi. One of them is called Candystick, Allotropa. Peter Baye recently found one growing in his forest, the first he has seen in 15 years.

Candystick, Allotropa virgata, by Peter BayeIt's such a treat to find this rare jewel. He also found Shinleaf, Pyrola picta. It looks like a lovely bouquet.

A Pyrola picta bouquet, Shinleaf, by Peter BayeRick and I recently found this in our forest. Since we had a normal rain year here, some plants are appearing that haven't been seen during the drought. They were hunkered down underground.

These plants are only found in mature, old forest soils. Any disturbance of the soil is a threat to these flowers. Keep part of your land wild for the sake of native plants and wildlife!

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

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There were some 1,500 Gray whale calves born this year off of Baja California. The mother/calf pairs are passing by now, and will continue well into June. Gail Eddy was ready with her camera when a Gray Whale calf breached.

Gray Whale calf breaching by Gail EddyA Gray Whale mother will only have one calf per year. They are swimming northward now, heading to their feeding grounds in the Bering Sea. To see them brings many of us great joy.

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

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Castle Rock sits off the north end of Gualala. Richard Hansen has a ringside seat to view the action as waves first hit a smaller rock in front of it. Richard recently photographed this interesting sea stack.

Castle Rock by Richard HansenHere's one of my favorite photos taken a few years ago. Richard captured a "monster" wave seemingly attacking - or reaching out to hug -  Castle Rock.

Monster Wave threatens Castle Rock by Richard HansenThanks to Richard for allowing me to share his photos with you here.