Tag Archives: Allen Vinson

Our first heat wave of the year is here. Of course a heat wave on the coast doesn't compare to inland temps. When we get close to 80 degrees we are having a heat wave! Allen Vinson photographed a Harbor Seal that looks pretty darn happy.

A happy Harbor seal by Allen Vinson

Lots of visitors are already here and more are sure to come with the big Gulf of the Farallones Sanctuary expansion celebration on Sunday at Gualala Arts. 11 am to 3 pm and the event is free. Plenty of kid-friendly activities too.

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

 

We are always on Harbor Seal pup watch every spring and it's exciting when the first one appears. Allen Vinson was there on a bluff at The Sea Ranch when it happened on the first of April.

The first Harbor Seal pupof 2015 is born by Allen Vinson

And soon the little pup was nursing.

Newborn Harbor Seal Pup nursing by Allen Vinson

Since then 18 more have been born. It's that time of year to especially keep your dogs on leash when approaching a beach. Pups are very vulnerable. Never "rescue" one. The mother leaves her newborn soon after birth so she can fish for herself. She will return to her sweet pup. If you do find a marine mammal in distress, call the Marine Mammal Center at 415 289-7350.  They will send a trained local to assess the situation.

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

Allen Vinson caught a pair of Red-tailed Hawks mating. Yes, an x-rated sighting for you today. In the first photo the male is approaching the female. In the second photo, they are mating. And in the last photo the male flies off.

Red-tailed Hawks beginning to mate by Allen Vinson Mating Red-tailed Hawks by Allen Vinson Time for the male Red-tailed Hawk to leave by Allen Vinson

Red-tailed Hawks are year round residents of the Mendonoma Coast. Here's a photo of one hunting, taken by Linda Morley-Wells.

Red-Tailed Hawk, The Sea Ranch

Thanks to Allen and Linda for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Allen Vinson had his camera ready when a couple of CA Sea Lions decided to play in the ocean. This first photo shows a small raft of Sea Lions on the left and the two playful Sea Lions on the right.

A raft on the left and playful Sea Lions on the right by Allen Vinson

Here are two more photos of the Sea Lions at play.

Sea Lions playing by Allen Vinson Sea Lions playing 2 by Allen Vinson

Looks pretty darn fun to me! Thanks to Allen for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

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A beautiful seasonal waterfall comes to life with enough rain at Stengel Beach on The Sea Ranch. Allen Vinson took this photo from the staircase that leads to the beach on February 8th.

Stengel Beach Waterfall by Allen Vinson

Since then we've had no rain and this waterfall is greatly diminished. But we do have rain in our forecast, thank goodness. Bring on the rain, Mother Nature!

Thanks to Allen for allowing me to share his photo with you here. Allen has a showing of his work at Spindrift Gallery in the Cypress Center in Gualala. It will be up until March 7th. Don't miss it!