Sharon Albert was hiking at Gualala Point Regional Park this past week when she saw a big rainbow. It crossed the Gualala River and the town of Gualala and seemed to end on the ridge. Using her Samsung Galaxy lll, she took a panoramic photo of the rainbow. I thank Sharon for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
Happy New Year, all. May rainbows be one of the many things that bring you joy in 2013.
Gulls gather in the hundreds on the sandbar and in the Gualala River at Gualala Point Regional Park this time of year. Rozann Grunig recently photographed a huge group. You can see the river open to the Pacific Ocean. The river will open and close many times during the winter months. It's quite a phenomenon to watch.
We are catching a break from the wild and wet weather though another storm is due tomorrow. Today we'll enjoy the sun accompanied by the sound of a turbulent ocean.
Thanks to Rozann for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
Bob Rutemoeller was walking on the Gualala Bluff Trail this past week when he saw two River Otters swimming in the river. They came up onto the banks of the river and gave Bob a chance to photograph them.
These creatures are comfortable in the water and on land. They can only thrive where the water is unpolluted. They eat fish, octopus, amphibians and even small mammals and birds. One was seen swimming under an unsuspecting Gull and grabbing it for a meal. Sometimes life on the Gualala River can be dangerous.
Thanks to Bob for allowing me to share his photo with you. Before this photo I did not know they groomed each other. I love learning new information about our wildlife. To see a River Otter and her pup, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/08/19/river-otters-seen-in-the-gualala-river/
Nan Brichetto came across this little green frog on the gravel banks of the Gualala River. It's a Chorus Frog or Sierran Tree Frog. It used to be called a Pacific Tree Frog but its name was changed recently.
These frogs have a big call which sounds like "ribbit, ribbit." They are able to change their color to match their surroundings. Below is a Tree Frog changing from green to rusty red. This was photographed by Clay Yale.
It must be nice to be able to camouflage oneself! Thanks to Nan and Clay for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
Of course we took our golden retriever, Huckleberry, along. He LOVES the Gualala River.
And taking a gravel bath afterwards. Life is very good indeed when you are a golden.
Walking back Rick saw this little Chorus Frog jump. Its new name is Sierran Tree Frog.
Entering the forest we were surprised to see fresh Oyster Mushrooms growing on downed tree. A Banana Slug is enjoying a nice meal, provided courtesy of Mother Nature. The fog has been so heavy and dense, there was enough moisture for this edible mushroom to fruit.
Autumn on the Mendonoma Coast - it's magic!