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Ethan Artunian wrote, “My kids and I were lucky enough to see this rare sighting on [a week ago} Monday at Bowling Ball beach. Here are a couple of photos and a video. Good enough to make it in Jeanne's column?” You bet, and her blog! The Artunians were gifted with a sighting of a Ruby Octopus, Octopus rubescens.

These small octopuses reside along the entire west coast and can be found as deep as 980 feet. They are solitary predators and are considered the most intelligent of all invertebrates. They use their sharp sense of touch and smell to locate prey such as crabs, clams, and scallops.

Here is a video of the fascinating octopus taken by Ethan.

Ruby octopus, Octopus rubescens, video by Ethan Arutunian

Thanks to Ethan for allowing me to share his photos and video with you here.

Rain came in overnight - 1.08 inches, 13.82 season to date. Our first rain since Nov. 19th! Much more to come...

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Robert Goldberg recently photographed this huge wave hitting a rock off Shell Beach on The Sea Ranch.

The Pacific Ocean has been very loud lately. Give it the respect it deserves and keep a safe distance away. There has also been erosion and undercutting, especially from the King Tides, so be extra careful about bluff edges - they may not be stable. The coastline changes with the force of the waves.

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

Foggy this morning but the sun has prevailed this afternoon.

If you are on the coast and you'd like to get in the holiday spirit, consider attending the Ernest Bloch Bell Ringers Holiday Concert at Gualala Arts this Saturday, Dec. 13th at 3 pm. Four and a half octaves of beautiful handbells under the direction...of...me! Here's the link to Gualala Arts about the concert: https://gualalaarts.org/2025/12/holiday-concert-for-the-coast-2/

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As you can see, Bobcats hunt in grassy meadows. They are listening and looking for rodents. In Ron Bolander's photo, you can clearly see the tufted ears of this beautiful creature.

Bobcats are year round residents of the Mendonoma Coast and they are often seen in the daylight hours, such as when Ron got this photo.

Thanks to Ron for allowing me to share it with you here.

Cold fog right on the coast but warm sunshine just a bit away. Rain is in our forecast for next week!

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Scott Chieffo was at Manchester Beach when he got this beautiful photo. I love the reflection of the setting sun on the wet sand.

This morning's sunrise was pretty spectacular too. I photographed this through our window!

Thanks to Scott for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Scott's photography, here is his website: https://www.schieffophotography.com/

No rain in sight. Thank goodness we received over 12 inches earlier last month!

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Eric Zetterholm was down near the Gualala River when he spotted these two Bald Eagles. The sub-adult eagles is on the left. I believe he/she is about 3 1/2 years old. The eagle on the right is an adult.

Here Eric got another view and the young eagle is stretching its wings.

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

On Friday, at Gualala Arts' Festival of Trees, a Bald Eagle flew over the arts center, delighting visiting family members.

It's sunny and mild today with some clouds - another beautiful day here on the Mendonoma Coast!