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Michael Beattie wrote, “It was just a wonderful day at the Lands today, January 1. We see these two Coyotes on an almost daily basis. They seem to be keeping the Gophers in check. The one we originally saw actually called the second one to their side, and it came quickly from an unseen hideout.”

Here's a close-up of one of the healthy-looking Coyotes.

And here is where the one Coyote was calling to the other one.

Michael also reports a pair of Peregrine Falcons are back at a rocky island off the Lands. He wrote, “I’ve located the old Stornetta pair, and keeping them safe by not visiting too closely.”

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

Lots of rain from this morning's storm, over one inch. Much more headed our way soon.

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These rock formations are revealed at low tides. You will see why they are called bowling balls. Don Hess captured this lovely sight near sunset as a storm was arriving.

To learn more about Bowling Ball Beach, which is part of Schooner Gulch State Park, here is the link: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=446

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

It's stormy here this afternoon - lots of dark clouds and some wind, but little rain yet.

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Yesterday Rick and I checked a spot where we know Matsutakes come up. We've already found seven a week or so ago. Here's what caught my eye. A mound of duff pushed up and a glimpse of white.

When I cleared off the duff, look at what I found!

I also found a Sweet Tooth Hedgehog mushroom nearby, the first Hedgehog I've found this season.

Gifts from the forest!

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We took a walk on the Gualala Bluff Trail this morning, marveling at the big surf. The skies are blue and the Gualala River is flowing out to sea.

The forecast calls for lots of rain, but you couldn't tell by today!

Last Thursday the Gualala River was muddy and much higher due to storms.

Harbor Seals and Gulls at the Gualala River by Jeanne Jackson

Here is a short video. There were nearly 100 Harbor Seals hauled out on the sandbar. There were also many Gulls, some in the river washing themselves. Others were drying out on the sand. It was fun to watch the Gulls being drawn closer to the river mouth and then flying up and back into the river to be carried along by the current once again.

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Phil Atkins was surprised in late December to see this Bobcat kitten on his deck at The Sea Ranch.

It seems very early to see a young one like this, but there you go!

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

We are having a sunny day today, but lots of rain headed our way!