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Eric Zetterholm was photographing one of the two Bald Eagles seen this winter at the Gualala River. The Bald Eagle made a perfect landing on a snag in the river.

Then the Bald Eagle flew over to a group of Harbor Seals that were hauled out on the sandbar of the river. Look at the eagle craning his or her neck to view the seals.

Eric couldn't believe what he saw next. The Bald Eagle picked up a long stick, flew to the seals and DROPPED the stick on the seals!

We can only speculate why the Bald Eagle did this. Was there was some food - a fish, perhaps - on the sandbar with the seals? Or perhaps this eagle just didn't like the seals being in his or her territory? Fascinating stuff!

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

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January 31st brought us a celestial event to remember. Skies were completely clear on the Mendonoma coast. Photographer Paula Power took photos of the event. Here is the Blood Moon, the full moon in a lunar eclipse.

It was amazing to see the stars so vibrant during the eclipse. Paula captured some of that night-time magic.

Paula then photographed the moon as the eclipse was finishing.

It was quite an experience to witness this event. Fun fact: the second full moon in a month is called a Blue Moon. That doesn't occur too often, hence the expression, "Once in a blue moon."

I thank Paula for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

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Eric Zetterholm photographed this Barn Owl recently, spotted on The Sea Ranch perched on a fence post.

Here is a close-up of two Barn Owls, taken by Jim Garlock.

Barn Owls are nocturnal - predators of the night. When they fly overhead, they look ghostly white. They don't "hoot" like some owls; their calls are a raspy scream. You can listen to it here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barn_Owl/sounds

Thanks to Eric and Jim for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Maria Kostick found this Yellow Chanterelle in the forest.

A delicious edible, Chanterelles are a treat to find. We have warm, sunny weather for the next week. Hopefully many more edible mushrooms will appear.

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

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While we "ooh and aah" over the two mature Bald Eagles seen at the mouth of the Gualala River nearly every day, there are other birds to admire. Andi Kahn recently photographed a Black Phoebe.

Black Phoebes make short flights to catch their favorite food - insects. They have a high-pitched call, which you can listen to here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black_Phoebe/sounds

Andi also photographed a Red-tailed Hawk resting in a tree.

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