Sightings

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Rick and I, plus our golden retriever Huckleberry, took a hike at the Stornetta Public Lands this Thursday. You can see that it was a lovely day. A very low tide occurred while we were there.

 Sea Lion Rocks are only accessible at low tide. The photo below shows this rocky staircase. As this is a Marine Sanctuary, it would be better to stay off these rocks. And you wouldn't want to be caught when the tide changes!

 We kept Huckleberry on a short leash because of sinkholes like this one and the dangerously steep bluff-faces.

 The main access is off of Lighthouse Road, which is north of Point Arena. Before you see the Lighthouse pay station and parking, look on the left. You will see a portable toilet, parking and these rather uninformative signs. Notice that this one still has a picture of a fish, indicating that fishing is allowed. But it's not!

Here's the sign BLM added when this area was closed to fishing, including abalone diving, in 2010.

Tomorrow I will show you that there's been a BIG change in the Stornetta waterfall.

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Once in a great while, a Northern Elephant Seal will decide to haul out at Anchor Bay Beach. Wendy Bailey nearly walked by without noticing him because you can see he blends so well with the sand and rocks. And it is definitely a "he" - the big proboscis proves it. Juveniles and females do not have this big nose.

This Elephant Seal looks very relaxed, doesn't he, just barely gazing at Wendy? He stayed for several days before heading to points unknown. Thanks to Wendy for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

To find Anchor Bay Beach, you enter through Anchor Bay Campground. There is a nominal entrance fee. To learn more about this beautiful, privately-owned campground, here's their website: http://www.abcamp.com/

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 Carolyn André entitles her sighting as, "A cow, a bird, and a damn near miracle." Here's her story.

"Okay, these aren't the best pictures I've ever taken. But I thought this was amazing. Today I was out near the Pt. Arena Reservation and I stopped on the road because I saw a calf chasing swarms of birds. He was running around, tail up and moving. It was adorable. Reminded me of a cat. He was so playing and clearly having a good time."

"More birds flew around and he chased them still."

"But then he caught a bird!*?* Have you ever heard of a cow catching a bird? A calf at that? I'm sure no one has heard of a calf or cow catching a bird! It was amazing."

Carolyn told me the surprised calf quickly let the bird go. The bird flew off unscathed but surely bewildered as to what had just happened to it. Now that's something you don't see every day! Thanks to Carolyn for allowing me to share her story and photos with you here.

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Before recent storms roiled the Pacific Ocean, conditions were calm and people were able to observe California Sea Lions rafting up and down the Mendonoma Coast. Sea Lions join together in a raft for protection as they sleep. Alan Reinke photographed a large raft recently.

They extend a flipper out of the water to warm it. The warmth is then sent to their internal organs, helping to regulate their body temperature. In hot weather they will do this to cool themselves down.

Thanks to Alan for allowing me to share his photo with you here! If you'd like to see a close-up photo of a Sea Lion with her pup, here is the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/06/05/california-sea-lions-photographed-on-the-rocks-off-the-mendonoma-coast/

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How do you say Happy Valentine's Day to the ones you love? Craig Tooley and Rita Peck created a heart made of driftwood on the beach at The Sea Ranch.

Happy Valentine's Day from me to you! And thank to Craig and Rita for this wonderful Valentine.

To see other creative uses for driftwood, here is a link to a driftwood microwave handle and a piece of driftwood that looks just like a whale: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2012/01/05/driftwood-surprises/. And here's a link to see a chair made out of driftwood: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/03/31/a-chair-made-out-of-driftwood/