Tag Archives: John Batchelder

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It’s that time of year when California Quail chicks can be seen, a charming sight indeed. John Batchelder wrote, “In the last couple of weeks Janice and I have started to see lots of  Quail moving though our yard in coveys with up to 14 chicks. They are very systematic about the way they move around, never staying anywhere long; parents very attentive and alert. Dads often on lookout up on top of a bush; mom tending the ‘kids’ that are usually kept between the parents. Mom appears to do most of the teaching, while dad is responsible for security…a real team. They’re fascinating to watch, and great entertainment!"

An interesting fact about Quail chicks is that they are hatched in an advanced state and able to feed themselves and move independently almost immediately. It’s called precocial.

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

For the first day of August, foggy in places, sunny here in Anchor Bay, and breezy. Temps in the 70's.

 

 

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Several weeks ago John Batchelder wrote, “Here are some pictures of the Pacific Loon that landed on Wild Moor Reach, The Sea Ranch. This is one of the sometimes thousands of birds per hour that have been migrating past our area recently.:

After the original sighting and report to Diane Hichwa, the Loon disappeared, but was later observed farther down the street by Marge Entwisle. Marge kept the bird under observation until Roberta Chan arrived and skillfully cornered and captured the Loon in a garage for transport to Bird Rescue.

Truly a team effort lead by Marge and Roberta. Thanks.”

I add my thanks to all. I was astounded at the beauty of the Pacific Loon.

If you see a bird in trouble, call Bird Rescue at 707) 523-2473 [BIRD]. They will send a trained local volunteer, like Roberta,  to assess the bird and arrange necessary transport. We hope this bird is doing well and can be released soon.

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

Fog has returned over the ocean, sneaking on land in places. It cooled the temps by ten degrees - nice! Fog is the coast's air conditioning! The cool, moist are also aids in fighting the first inland.

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John Batchelder saw the first covey of California Quail last week Saturday. There are 14 chicks in all. Can you spot them all? Dad is the handsome fellow on the left, always watching out for his family. Mom is to the right.

Quail have a three-note call, which you can hear at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/California_Quail/sounds

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

Yesterday the fog disappeared. The fireworks off the Point Arena Pier were amazing last night. Today is once again fog-free. It's a spectacular day on the Mendonoma Coast!

 

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John and Janice Batchelder spotted whales off of The Sea Ranch. John wrote, “On Thursday afternoon Janice noticed all the humpback whales working their way north. They were lots of them, and that’s something we haven’t seen for a while. As I tried to capture a few pictures she pointed out that I was missing all the breaching whales, which for a while, were everywhere I wasn’t shooting. I did finally get a few shots and I have attached one for your use showing two humpback whales breaching simultaneously. It is evidence of all the activity we were able to enjoy.”

Two Humpbacks Breaching

What a great photo! Humpbacks were seen today north of Gualala.

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

Sunny, cool and calm today...the ocean is flat like a calm lake!

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I love the liquid sound of California Quail calls, and I've been hearing them at our place in Anchor Bay. John Batchelder photographed several chicks recently.

Bob Marton spotted what looks like two coveys of Quail chicks - 24 in all! That's a lotta chicks.

Thanks to John and Bob for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To hear the calls of these beautiful birds, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/California_Quail/sounds

Today, Friday, is sunny with a hint of coolness in the air - quite nice!