Sightings

• 1 Comment

•

Last week Alan Reinke photographed Black Point Beach, seemingly missing its beautiful beach. The king tides, super high tides, had washed over it.

Black Point missing its beach at high tide by Alan Reinke

The next day told a different story.

Black Point Beach the day after the big high tide by Alan Reinke

We continue to have sunny, calm weather. Gray Whales have been spotted often. I saw two pods this morning, heading south. A pod of eight Killer Whales was seen today, heading north. When the ocean is calm, she reveals many wonderful sightings. We apparently have another week before our rains begin again.

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

•

The southward-bound Gray Whale migration has begun earlier than usual this season. And, as we've been having clear-as-a-bell weather, it is easy to see their spouts. Peter Cracknell photographed a few Grays at sunset.

Gray Whales at sunset by Peter Cracknell

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

I wish you the happiest of New Years and hope you will take the time to appreciate our natural world - it is filled with wonders.

•

Bowling Ball Beach is a perfect place to beachcomb at low tide. The rock formations help catch treasures from the sea. The treasure Catherine Miller was seeking? Pieces of abalone shells, tumbled and shaped by the ocean waves. With them she made this beautiful mirror as a Christmas gift for her brother.

Abalone shell mirror by Catherine Miller

It is the inside of the Abalone shell that has this beautiful iridescence. Here's a look at an intact shell, photo taken by Craig Tooley.

Abalone shell by AUG Craig Tooley

Thanks to Catherine for sharing her creation and photo with us here. And thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com.

•

Niki Ward almost missed seeing this Bobcat, as it blended with the wooden fence so well. But she did notice it as she passed by. They gazed at each other for a few moments, and then Niki got this photo.

Bobcat by Niki Ward

Here on the Mendonoma Coast Bobcats are often seen in the daylight. They are great Gopher hunters, and can be seen in meadows going after a rodent meal.

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

•

Craig Tooley photographed a recent early morning off The Sea Ranch.

Morning on the Mendonoma Coast by Craig Tooley

Another recent photo shows two seasonal waterfalls - just beautiful!

Waterfalls and a stormy sea by Craig Tooley

Tomorrow, Saturday Dec. 27th, Craig and I will be at the Four-eyed Frog Bookstore in Gualala signing our book, Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year. 2 to 4 pm. If you are town, stop by and say hello!

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com.