Sightings

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In all the years I've been doing my Mendonoma Sightings nature column in the Independent Coast Observer, I have never received a photo of a Bobcat kitten...until now! Mark Simkins and Kitty Wolfe had two Bobcat kittens visit their Manchester property recently.

Bobcat kitten exploring by Mark Simkins Bobcat Kittens roam by Mark Simkins Bobcat Kitten by Mark Simkins Bobcat Kitten has big feet by Mark Simkins

The young Bobcats already have the same marking on the back of their ears and on their bobbed tail as their parent have. Take a look at the paws - just like a puppy, you can tell by their feet that they will get bigger.

Thanks to Mark for allowing me to share his wonderful photos with you here. To see Mark's photo of an adult Bobcat "meditating," here is the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2013/10/05/a-beautiful-photo-of-a-meditating-bobcat-by-mark-simkins/

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Tom Landecker and Sharon Albert had a pair of Pacific-slope Flycatchers make a nest in a wreath on their front door. There are a lot of hungry babies waiting to be fed.

Pacific Slope Flycatcher nest by Tom Landecker

I asked Tom if the birds ever bothered the fake berries on the wreath. He replied that they don't touch them.
These birds are rather difficult to spot, as they are pretty drab. I often hear them in the forest.

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

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The Yakut people of Sakha Republic in Siberia built a magnificent Serge, a ceremonial hitching post, at Gualala Point Regional Park. The dedication ceremony was quite moving, and the land was blessed by the shaman. We now have a sacred spot in one of our favorite parks. Richard Kuehn took a beautiful photo of the Serge at dawn.

Sakha Serge, a Ceremonial Hitching Post, at dawn by Richard Kuehn 007 014

The middle photo shows the shaman approaching followed by the ceremonial dancers. The third photo shows the honored guests receiving a ceremonial drink. I took these photos at the ceremony last month.

We feel very fortunate to have this beautiful Serge here in Gualala. Thanks to Rich for allowing me to share his beautiful photo with you here.

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A visit from Monarch Butterflies is always a treat. Tom Eckles had two chasing each other around his garden in Gualala.

Monarch Butterfly by Tom Eckles

Here is a photo Tom took last year of a Monarch on a Dahlia blossom.

Monarch Butterfly feeding on a dahlia by Tom Eckles

The fall migration of Monarchs doesn't begin until next month. But we always welcome a visit from these exquisite creatures. Journey North tracks the migration of Monarch Butterflies, along with Gray Whales and various other migratory events. Their website is: https://www.learner.org/jnorth/

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

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Black Oystercatchers nest on the Mendonoma Coast. Robert Scarola recently photographed an Oystercatcher with two eggs.

Black Oystercatcher with 2 Eggs by Robert Scarola

These eggs have hatched and fledglings have appeared. Here's a photo by Craig Tooley of fledglings.

Black Oystercatcher with three chicks by Craig Tooley

There are three chicks with this Black Oystercatcher. Can  you spot them?

These birds are quite noisy, even when flying. To hear their call, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black_oystercatcher/sounds

Thanks to Robert 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