Richard Hansen photographed Castle Rock, which is found on the north end of Gualala. A submerged rock in front of it causes some major white water!
Here is one of my favorite photos taken by Richard a few years ago. The wave looks like a monster. Is the monster going to hug Castle Rock? Or???
This first full day of winter is cold and cloudy here on the Mendonoma Coast. We have some rain coming in.
Thanks to Richard for allowing me to share his photos with you here.
Rick and Teresa Denniston were treated to great looks of the Bald Eagle pair recently.
The female is the larger eagle. We are hoping they will nest in the watershed of the Gualala River this coming year.
Thanks to Rick for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
Diane Winkler was vacationing on TSR, a house she rented from Coasting Home. She wrote, “I was super excited to have the opportunity to observe this gorgeous female Northern Harrier.
The meadow habitat is perfect for hawks. As I walked on the shoreline trail in front of the house, I noticed this Harrier on top of a bush in the meadow consuming a vole. This was the first time I have ever had a chance to be close enough to see the beautiful owl-like facial details, the bright yellow legs and incredible talons! Such a treat!”
Their calls sound like "kek, kek, kek." Perhaps it would be better to listen to their calls at this link: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Harrier/sounds#
To learn more about Coasting Home and their vacation rental properties, here is the link to their website: https://www.coastinghome.com/
Thanks to Cathleen Crosby, the President of Coasting Home, for sharing Diane's photo and story with us here.
The Gualala River had a soft opening this year, but it quickly closed again to the Pacific Ocean, blocked by a huge sandbar. Monday afternoon the river opened with a vengeance! The first photo shows the river flowing strongly into the ocean.
Today Rick and I found two large groups of Harbor Seals, a few in the river with most at river's edge. They were looking for Steelhead, most likely.
The river had sea foam in it, as waves were cresting the sandbar.
We even saw one of the Bald Eagles! He was staring down the Turkey Vulture on the left.
Here's a short video of the wave action this morning.
Video of Gualala River 12.19.18 by Jeanne Jackson
After such a beautiful time at the river, the fog appeared as if by magic, and enveloped the coast!
Michael Reinhart spotted this bird a few weeks ago, a Rock Wren.
He wrote, “I spotted this Rock Wren on the point to the west of Sea Ranch Lodge, Bihler Point.”
There have only been three sightings of one in recent years. The male Rock Wren is a tremendous singer, singing over 100 different songs. You can hear some of the male's calls here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rock_Wren/sounds Let’s hope we have more sightings of this bird.
Thanks to Michael for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
Today we are having a big, wet, windy storm. Batten down the hatches!