Tax day, April 15, can be a very stressful day. So to have a lovely sunset is a balm to the soul. Paul Brewer captured it.
There were two contrails lit up by the setting sun. And the surf was high, creating a dramatic picture.
Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is a link to his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/
Peter Cracknell caught this Osprey resting on a branch. Ospreys have returned to the Mendonoma Coast to build or rebuild their nests, pair up and hopefully start a new family.
Ospreys build their nests on top of flat-top trees. The nests are quite substantial, as they must survive the winds that blow in from the northwest in springtime and from the southwest in stormy weather. Here is an Osprey nest photographed by Craig Tooley.
The Osprey nest that Rick and I can see through our spotting scope blew down in the December storms so the Osprey pair have been busy rebuilding it. The female is now sitting on the nest so perhaps there is an egg or two in there. I hope so!
Thanks to Peter 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.
It can be disconcerting to see California Sea Lions join together in a raft. But it is normal activity for them. They come together for protection and when they put a flipper in the air, they are either warming themselves up or cooling down. This is called thermo-regulating. Paul Brewer recently witnessed this.
And I am so pleased to announce that my book, Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year, has won a national award - a Benjamin Franklin Silver Award in the category Nature and Environment. Rick and I went to the ceremony in Austin, Texas on April 10th.
My competition was so awesome that it was a privilege to be considered with them. To see a list of the Benjamin Franklin award winners, here is the link to the Independent Book Publishers Association: http://ibpabenjaminfranklinawards.com/
Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his Sea Lion photo with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/
The eclipse took place in the early hours of the morning. Paul Kozal got this beautiful photo at the tail end of the eclipse.
There was a full moon to add to the magic. These farm buildings are relics on The Sea Ranch from the time the property was used as a sheep ranch.
Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.paulkozal.com/
There are some sunsets that just have to be shared. Here is one taken by Richard Kuehn.
Unless the fog lifts there will be no dramatic sunset today!
Thanks to Rich for allowing me to share his photo with you here.