Sightings

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Jack Likins looks for abalones that are at least ten inches across, known as trophy abs. He found his first one several weeks ago.

Jack Likin's first ten+ inch Abalone of the year by Frank Hurd (Large)

Jack's diving buddy, Frank Hurd, took this photo. You can see the abalone is a nice fat one. With the concerns about the sparse bull kelp, which abalones eat, Jack was happy to find such a healthy abalone.

Thanks to Frank for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To learn all you've ever wanted to know about abalone and the divers who search for them, here is the website of local diver Eric Anderson: http://www.abaloneten.com/tendivers

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Anne Mary Schaefer saw this magnificent sight at Manchester State Park.

A carpet of wildflowers at Manchester State Park by Anne Mary SchaefferWildflowers on the bluffs are so wonderful this year after a normal rain year. Trees and bushes are showing tremendous growth this year too, surely a result of all the rain.

Thanks to Anne Mary for allowing me to share her photo with you here. To see much more of Anne Mary's photography, here is her website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtistryByAnneMary?ref=hdr_shop_menu

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Adrian Bennett reported that the first fawns were seen - twins - at The Sea Ranch. Others have been born near Point Arena. Jan de Vries had a Doe leave her newborn fawn on his doorstep.

Newborn fawn by Jan de VriesThe fawn is camouflaged a bit on the brick and mortar! The mother has left her fawn to go feed and she will return to collect her sweet fawn.

So now that the first fawns are here, many more will be born in the weeks to come. When a Doe crosses a road, always wait a moment or two to see if a fawn...or two...or three...is following behind her. It's a delight to see a gangly, beautiful fawn.

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

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The first fawns have been born and they are so very cute. I will share a photo of some soon. Today I want to show you Bucks with their growing antlers covered in velvet. Jon Loveless photographed two Bucks preening each other.

Two Bucks preening each other in a meadow by Jon Loveless

It's a peace on earth moment. Later when these two Bucks might be competing for Does, they won't be so friendly.

Michael Beattie also photographed Bucks near Point Arena on a spectacular day. The lupine bush in the middle is just about to bloom.

Bucks in velvet by Michael Beattie

Thanks to Jon and Michael for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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John Batchelder watched this Osprey fishing for its dinner. Here is the moment it snatches a fish.

An Osprey snags a fish by John Batchelder

The Osprey took the fish to a treetop to eat it, but a Common Raven decided to try and steal the Osprey's meal.

A Common Raven harasses an Osprey by John Batchelder (Large)

The Osprey wasn't in a sharing mode and took off with half of a fish.

Osprey flies off with half a fish by John Batchelder

Does the Osprey looked miffed to you?

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