A Ling Cod watches over her eggs and protects them from predators. So how did these eggs come to be washed up on a beach? Marilyn Green photographed them, and a Gull that was feasting on them.
Above is a close up photo of the eggs.
Thanks to Marilyn for allowing me to share her photos with you here.
On February 20th, Larry Riddle photographed this astronomical trio - Venus, Mars, and the crescent Moon.
Mars is a little difficult to see, but it's there. The Mendonoma Coast is mostly free of light pollution so stargazing and planet-gazing are always wonderful to do. Of course, if the fog rolls in, all bets are off!
Thanks to Larry for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
Two Gray Whales decided to swim close to shore near the mouth of the Gualala River. Photographers Tom Eckles and Ron Bolander were on the Gualala Bluff Trail with their cameras in hand. The first two photos are Tom's. You can see a fellow on the sandbar was having an up close and personal experience that day!
These next three are Ron's photos:
In this last photo you can see the head of this Gray Whale is encrusted with barnacles. That means it is an adult. It is spy hopping - taking a good look around.
I wish I had been on the Gualala Bluff Trail while these two Gray Whales were making a personal appearance!
Thanks to Tom and Ron for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see much more of Tom's nature photography, here is the link to his website: www.tomeckles.com
Richard Kuehn took a walk on the bluffs recently and photographed three wildflowers. The first photo shows Seaside Daisies.
And Footsteps-of Spring.
And a lovely Douglas Iris.
Wildflowers are blooming along shady forest paths too. Western Trilliums have begun their bloom.
Redwood Violets, Milk Maids, and the first Redwood Sorrel are also blooming.
The first three photos are by Rich and the last photo is from Jon Raymond. I thank them both for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
It was such a special sunset on Feb. 28 that I can't resist sharing more photos of it. A huge thundercloud served as the perfect foil for the sunset. Paul Kozal captured this dramatic photo. It looks like a spaceship to me.
Colleen Cross caught the reflection of the sunset on a thundercloud, and in the Pacific Ocean.
And Don Spear photographed a threatening thundercloud.
And today there is nary a cloud in the sky and the temperature is spring-like. Gray Whales have been seen, all heading north. These are the newly pregnant females, perhaps now followed by the males. This is the perfect weekend to be on the Mendonoma Coast.
Thanks to Don, Colleen, and Paul for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.paulkozal.com/