Tag Archives: Independent Coast Observer

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Finally! What many of us have been watching and waiting for has been photographed by Eric Zetterholm. One of the two Bald Eagles seen most days near the Gualala River was spotted flying with a large stick covered in lichen – nesting materials. This photo was featured on page one of last week's edition of the Independent Coast Observer.

Eric wrote, “I’d like to share with you a couple of pictures I took Monday afternoon, Jan. 6, of one of the Gualala Bald Eagles as it flew past Gualala Point Regional Park carrying a large stick – for its nest? I was able to watch the eagle get past a pair of Common Ravens who were interested in its clutch, and fly well up river and south over the treetops.”

Last year we watched as the Bald Eagles mated numerous times; one photo was labeled, “Get a room, Bald Eagles!” But we saw no signs of nest building. Bald Eagles nest quite early in the year, so we have hopes that these two Bald Eagles are building a nest in the watershed of the Gualala River.

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

ooo, we had a pretty darn vigorous storm hit in the night and it rained hard until early this afternoon. The creek that crosses our land is gloriously pumped up now - a joyous sight!

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Barry Weiss was near Casper when he spotted this Snowy Egret striding along in a lagoon, with its reflection in the water.

Here it looks like the Snowy Egret spotted something tasty for dinner. These egrets have black bills.

They are an uncommon sighting on the Mendonoma coast. Great Egrets, on the other hand, are frequently seen here.

There is a third photo by Barry, which will be in my Mendonoma Sightings column tomorrow in Independent Coast Observer. Thanks to Barry for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

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Paul Brewer has a front row seat to watch for marine life from his home in Gualala. He recently saw a lone Gray Whale and got this photo.

It looks like Paul has photographed a juvenile Gray Whale. It doesn't seem to have many barnacles and its head is rather stubby. We have a small group of juveniles staying along the coast of Sonoma and Mendocino counties.

Another time Paul capture these two tails of Gray Whales.

This photo makes us wonder if Paul photographed one of the first mother/calf pairs, but we don't know for sure. It's always exciting to see the mother/calf pairs arrive up here. And we should see the first ones pretty soon!

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photos with you here. Another photo of the first Gray Whale will appear in this week's Independent Coast Observer. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/

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Scott and Tree Mercer are studying marine life off the Mendonoma coast. One of the most productive sites is the bluffs of the Point Arena Lighthouse. Scott recently photographed Tree on the bluffs. She was helping spot whales.

The Mercers post their daily sightings on Facebook at Mendonoma Whale and Seal Study. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/Mendonoma-Whale-and-Seal-Study-1421926098039236/

They also share their sightings with other research groups, and fortunately with me, for my weekly Mendonoma Sightings column in the Independent Coast Observer. Recent sightings have been young Gray Whales feeding off the coast, and several Humpback Whales about 3 1/2 miles out.

I thank Scott for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

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Rifaat saw a female Mountain Lion with her two cubs last week near Navarro Ridge Road. Rifaat didn't get photos of the cubs, as they were hunkered down in the grasses. Rifaat watched as the Lioness tried to take a Buck, but the Buck got away.

There is a close-up of her in today's Independent Coast Observer, quite a wonderful photo.

Thanks to Riaat for allowing me to share these photos with you.