Tag Archives: Grace O’Malley

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Seryozha Krysti had a wonderful encounter with this same species of butterfly at her Sea Ranch garden. She wrote, “I have had a record population of butterflies and dragonflies this year and this morning I wanted to share this picture of a CA Sister Butterfly who landed on my hand as I was watering my yard.

"She stayed long enough for me to photograph from my phone. Her beauty and perfection were truly awe-inspiring!” Oh, to have a butterfly land on your hand, how wonderful is that?

Grace O'Malley also spotted one of these butterflies, down at Fort Ross. She wrote, “I attended the Harvest Festival at Fort Ross State Park. In the historic orchard - some trees were planted over 100 year ago - I spotted this large, fluttering, California Sister Butterfly resting on an apple tree branch.”

Thanks to Seryozha and Grace for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

Today would be a good day to see butterflies as it is very warm. Too warm!

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This morning Rick and I, along with friends Pam and Eric Ryan, saw a large group of Brown Pelicans on the sandbar of the Gualala River. We were walking the Gualala Bluff Trail when we saw them, a true delight!

Grace O'Malley was at the Bodega Bay Harbor recently when she saw these two Brown Pelicans coming in for a landing. They look like they are tippy-toeing across the surface of the water.

Then, with Grace watching, the two pelicans face-planted into the water. It's enough to make one laugh out loud!

As graceful as Brown Pelicans are in flight, they can be quite clumsy in landing. Ah, we love the Brown Pelicans, graceful or not! They have recently dispersed along the coast - a large group was recently seen resting of Gualala Point Island.

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

The weather here changed dramatically today. This morning it was warm and still. When we walked the Bluff Trail it was probably in the mid-70s. Then around noon the fog formed up. The temps dropped 15 degrees. Amazing...

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Grace O'Malley found this downed wood, which had been turned into a work of art by wood borers, or perhaps wood worms.

Wood borers, worms, beetles, termites, even fungi have a role in decomposing dead wood in the forest. This particular tree really has a tremendous amount of carvings.

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

Yesterday, at 1 pm, the first mother/calf Gray Whale pair was seen by whale watchers Scott and Tree Mercer at the Point Arena Lighthouse Peninsula! Many more to come in the days and weeks to come.

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Grace O'Malley noticed this young Red-tailed Hawk perched on a tattered "No Trespassing" sign. Looks like an enforcer was in town!

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

Another sunny, breezy day here on the Mendonoma coast. It actually feels more like Spring than Autumn. Come on, rain, come on down from the north!

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Grace O'Malley photographed this Song Sparrow perched on a rock, singing.

We had warm, dry weather for December. Perhaps this sparrow thought it was spring and time to sing for a mate! He will be hunkered down today as we have some much needed rain.

These sparrows have a sweet call, which you can listen to at this site: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Song_Sparrow/sounds

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