Sightings

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A Brown Shrike has been seen for the past week or so in the Alder Creek area. This bird breeds in central and eastern Asia. Less than a handful has ever been seen in California - a very rare visitor indeed.

It's not easy to photograph the bird, and long lenses are needed. The first photo is by Jeff Petit. And the second was taken by Rich Trissel through his spotting scope.

Brown Shrike at Alder Creek by Jeff Petit Brown Shrike by Rich Trissel

Birders from afar have come to add this bird to their life list.

Thanks to Jeff and Rich for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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The Sea Ranch Chapel is so lovely. Many couples have been married inside this intimate chapel. Bill Oxford recently got this beautiful photo.

The Sea Ranch Chapel by Bill Oxford

Next month there will be a renewal of wedding vows here, as part of The Sea Ranch's 50th anniversary celebration.

Thanks to Bill for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Bill's Sea Ranch photos, here is his website: http://www.searanchphotos.com/

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As I mentioned yesterday, the sandbar has once again closed the Gualala River off to the Pacific Ocean. This creates ideal kayaking conditions. Karen Tracy recently took to the water and she saw many beautiful sightings.

Kayaking in the Gualala River by Karen Tracy

It looks idyllic, doesn't it?! As Karen meandered up the river, she came across at Great Blue Heron perched on a branch.

Great Blue Heron along the Gualala River by Karen Tracy

And a Western Pond Turtle sunning itself on a log - a wonderful sighting!

Western Pond Turtle in the Gualala River by Karen Tracy

Thanks to Karen for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

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Robert Scarola took this photo of the Gualala River lagoon a week ago from Gualala Point Regional Park. The river has closed to the Pacific Ocean for another extended time due to the lack of rain. Since this photo the river is even higher in the lagoon.

Gualala River Estuary in Bud by Robert Scarola

When the river is closed by the big sandbar, the mouth of the river is called a lagoon. When the river is open, it is an estuary. Robert's photo shows bushes beginning to bud.

On Saturday, March 21, at 9 am there will be fun, noncompetitive hike at this park. It's to benefit Meals on Wheels here on the Mendonoma Coast. It costs $30.00 a person. What do you get? A snack before the hike, a T-shirt, and lunch at the Gualala Community Center afterwards. Rick and I believe very strongly in the fine work Coastal Seniors does, and Meals on Wheels is a lifeline to people in need. We will be there Saturday with our hiking boots on. There are three different hikes, planned with the longest just a little over 3 miles. The shortest walk is only a mile.  Please join us if you are on the Coast!

To learn more about Coastal Seniors, here is their website: http://www.coastalseniors.org/

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

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Allen Vinson had his camera ready when a couple of CA Sea Lions decided to play in the ocean. This first photo shows a small raft of Sea Lions on the left and the two playful Sea Lions on the right.

A raft on the left and playful Sea Lions on the right by Allen Vinson

Here are two more photos of the Sea Lions at play.

Sea Lions playing by Allen Vinson Sea Lions playing 2 by Allen Vinson

Looks pretty darn fun to me! Thanks to Allen for allowing me to share his photos with you here.