The Prince, Agaricus augustus, had a bloom several weeks ago here on the Coast. Diane Hichwa had one big Prince come up between two decorative owls.
For those who know their mushroom identification, this is a delicious edible.
Today the fog has pulled way back and this afternoon is splashed with sunshine.
Thanks to Diane for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
Lady's Tresses, Spiranthes romanzoffiana, are members of the Orchid family. They are late-blooming and grow in moist habitats. Diane Hichwa found this orchid and Craig Tooley photographed it.
It's called Lady's Tresses because the spiral is thought to remind you of a lady's braided hair. The scientific name of this orchid honors Count Romanzoff. The good count was the Russian patron of botany.
Thanks to Diane for finding this beauty and to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com
Ken Browning recently led a geology hike at Gualala Point Regional Park. He showed us a small earthquake fault at the south end of the beach.
The fault is below the fence and wind-blown trees.
Here's a closeup of the fault.
Close by are these wonderful moon rocks. These formations are also at Salt Point State Park. I discuss these formations at this blog post: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2013/03/02/moon-rocks-and-a-few-other-oddities-at-salt-point-park-as-photographed-by-john-sperry/ if you'd like to learn more. That is Diane Hichwa inspecting the formation.
And I was struck by this rock's impersonation of a turtle. Hope you enjoy it.
If you'd like to learn more about this beautiful park, here's the link: http://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Get_Outdoors/Parks/Gualala_Point_Regional_Park.aspx There is a wonderful campground in this park on the east side of Highway 1 with campsites right along the Gualala River.
It's always a treat to see the Tall Ships sail by. The Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain had come to Bodega Bay recently. John Sperry photographed them at anchor.
There were tours and the chance to sail with the crew. Since their home base is in the state of Washington, we are treated to the sight of these two ships sailing by several times a year. Diane Hichwa caught the Lady Washington on April 17 sailing north.
At the Gualala River Sightings event, Diane Hichwa won the Best Series award with her photos of a River Otter taking a Gull. Though it's not easy to see, it is nature in action.
The first photo Diane entitled "Help!" A River Otter came up underneath a flock of Gulls and nabbed this one.
Other Otters joined in to bring the Gull to shore, which shows they work cooperatively.
And below is the spot these River Otters use as their "dining table."
