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Pete and Kathie Hayes were thrilled when a  humpback whale began slapping its tail on the surface of the ocean. Pete wrote, “My wife and I have been seeing so many whales from Wild Iris, Sea Ranch, particularly yesterday and today, the 29th and 30th. In addition to spouting, we've seen whales appearing to slap their tails in the water. Often multiple times. First, can you please help us identify what kind of whale this is? And second, can anyone explain why they are doing this?”

Pete sent in a video of the multiple tail slaps, which you can view here.

Humpback whale tail slapping by Peter Hayes

Whale expert, Scott Mercer, confirmed the sighting as humpback whales. I learned as a humpback slaps its tail, the theory is the loud noise causes fish to become frightened, resulting in a tightened school, making it easier for the humpbacks to feed.  It’s also thought to be communication as the loud sound created by the slap can travel long distances underwater. And maybe it’s just fun!

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

A few showers this morning, and several rainbows blessed us with their beauty. It's sunny and cool this afternoon. Yesterday's rain was only 0.05 inches at Rick's and my place in Anchor Bay, but in Point Arena Linda Bostwick had 1.10 inches! There were some cells with a LOT of rain in them, while other places only got a splash or two.

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Many of us love this time of year. The light is so richly golden. James Corbett caught a recent sunset with a Brown Pelican and a handful of Gulls. Life is good on the Mendonoma Coast!

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

After several days of balmy weather, it cooled off today. It almost feels like rain but so far no wet stuff!

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Mel Smith was hiking alongside the Gualala River when he came across this Redwood stump amidst second and third generation trees. Mel titled it "Still reaching for the sky!"

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

Today is a perfect autumn day here on the Mendonoma Coast. Sunny with a few clouds and a light breeze.

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Bobcats are often seen in the daylight hours here on the Mendonoma Coast. Perhaps this Bobcat found a rodent for his/her meal and was resting in the sun. It's pretty great that Gail Jackson noticed this cat with the tufted ears and bobbed tail, as he/she is nearly camouflaged in the grass meadow.

Thanks to Gail for allowing me to share her photo with you here. To see more of Gail's nature photography, here is her website: https://gailyimages.com/

The two rainstorms earlier this week brought 1.67 inches of rain - 2.18 season to date. Maybe we'll see some mushrooms soon!

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Connie King has a butterfly bush in her garden that attracts many different kinds of butterflies. Recently she saw her first Monarch butterflies visit her bush.

These large, beautiful (aren't all butterflies beautiful?) butterflies have dwindled in numbers. Climate change and habitat loss are two big reasons. The other reason is the use of pesticides and herbicides. That's a good enough reason not to use them!

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

It was hot here yesterday, 90 degrees. Today it's MUCH cooler. Clouds and fog have moved in.