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Our access to parks and beaches continues to be restricted, but Roxanne Holmes knows how to make lemonade at Shell Beach on The Sea Ranch. She wrote, “For years, I have loved going down to the beach every evening to enjoy the close-up view of the waves crashing, seals bobbing, adults imbibing, kids shrieking, and dogs cavorting. Now the beach is closed. That is sad, but it has caused me to find vantage points to look at the beach from spots that are more remote, elevated, and unvisited.When I did that recently, I saw the beach, for the first time, without any footprints at all. There is a unique beauty in that"

"And twelve hours later, the same beach was covered in footprints – but they were made by cavorting deer. Perhaps the deer are happy to have the beach to themselves!”

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

Today is a most spectacular day - sunshine to warm us when we could use a little warmth. No sign of the Easter Bunny.

Spring doesn't know...

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Ron Bolander is staying home and photographing in his garden. We are the lucky recipients of Ron's work, as he got this great photo of a Rufous Hummingbird sipping nectar.

Rufous Hummingbirds fly thousands of miles, twice a year. We see them on the coast during their spring and autumn migration. They breed far to our north, and then overwinter in Mexico. These little birds needs a LOT of nectar to fuel their long trips.

Ron also photographed an Anna's Hummingbird.

These little hummers are year round residents of the Mendonoma Coast. Rather than put up feeders, which require good cleaning and filling of sugar-water, Rick and I have planted plants especially for hummingbirds. Here are suggestions from the CA Native Plant Society of the best native flowers to plant for them: https://www.cnps.org/gardening/hummingbird-gardening-5098

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

Beautiful day here today after the fog pulled back. Low 60's. Brown Pelicans have been seen, flying north, and it's always a thrill to see them. The ocean is quite loud, the backdrop to our lives here on the beautiful Mendonoma Coast.

 

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I love this photo, which was taken by Gary Levenson-Palmer. A hummingbird, probably an Anna's, is silhouetted against the sunset.

A nice way to end one's day, don't you agree? Thanks to Gary for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

The morning clouds have disappeared and this afternoon is filled with bright sunshine. Early this morning I heard the sound of large waves hitting the shoreline. Also heard were the CA Sea Lions barking on Fish Rocks (near Anchor Bay) and the lovely calls of two Hermit Thrushes. I hope you are hearing loveliness where you are too.

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Spring wildflowers continue to appear. Each appearance is like seeing an old friend. Mary Sue Ittner recently photographed Stream Violets, Viola glabella.

Grace O'Malley found Douglas Iris in full bloom, Iris douglasiana.

And Joyce Nugent found Footsteps of Spring, Sanicula arctopoides.

Many others are joining in the chorus of loveliness.

We are having a mix of clouds and sun. And it's warmer today!

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Due to the virus, every beach access is currently closed. I thought you might enjoy discovering Manchester State Park, which has a fabulous beach, meadows, and much more. Anne Mary Schaefer will show you some of the beauty through the lens of her camera.

Rick and I have been to this special place and found it nearly to ourselves. When this virus threat is over, you might plan at trip to visit Manchester State Park. To learn more about it, here is the link: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=437

Anne Mary is a very talented pet photographer, though she photographs special occasions too. She has photographed Rick and me with our first two rescue Golden Retrievers, Sunny and Duffy. Here is Sunny smiling  for Anne Mary, and below with Rick and me.

Thanks to Anne Mary for allowing me to share her photos with you here. To see her many wonderful pet photos, here is her website: https://www.pawpawrazzipetphotography.com/

Temps warmed up some today and a fog bank appeared on the ocean. The storms have left for now. The first Harbor Seal pups were born on Monday, which always makes me happy.

Spring doesn't know...