Tag Archives: Mel Smith

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Mel Smith went to see if any of the beautiful white Tundra Swans had returned to the Garcia River area. He first looked at Hunter lagoon off of Biaggi Lane, and then at Brush Creek lagoon but found no Swans. The last big storm had washed away the sand, and drained the wetlands in both places, at least for now.

Mel then went to Hathaway Creek, which is found on the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands and found the fields flooded. There he saw four Tundra Swans, the first of many, we hope.

Here's a photo from a few years ago of two Tundra Swans in flight, taken by Anne Mary Schaefer.

In years past, there have been hundreds of these swans in the floodplains of the Garcia River. We hope more will return to overwinter on the southern Mendocino coast.

Thanks to Mel and Anne Mary for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Mel Smith took visiting family members to the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands. He hoped to be able to show them the waterfall, but it is still falling into a crack in the bluff. Nonetheless, this spot is perfect for a photo with the Lighthouse in the distance.

the-waterfall-is-hidden-at-the-point-arena-stornetta-lands-by-mel-smithThe waterfall appears on the right side. Perhaps with all the rain in our forecast the waterfall will again cascade off the bluff. This is what it looks like when it does - beautiful, don't you think? I took this photo a few years ago.

stornetta-lands-waterfall-by-jeanne-jacksonThanks to Mel for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

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Mel Smith and Linda Bostwick must be doubly fortunate, as they had two sets of birds nest in their birdhouse. The first to occupy the box were Chestnut-backed Chickadees. Once their chicks had fledged, Violet-green Swallows took residence and currently have chicks in the birdhouse.

Violet-green Swallow in a nesting box by Mel Smith (1024x576)Here's a photo Linda took a few years ago of a Violet-green Swallow with a feather in its beak. A nice soft touch for a nest!

Male Violet-green Swallow with a feather by Linda BostwickThanks to Mel and Linda for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Alder Creek is at the northern boundary of Manchester State Park. It is where the San Andreas fault heads out to sea. Mel Smith was recently hiking on the bluffs there and got this photo.

Alder Creek by Mel Smith

It looks like the creek is currently closed to the Pacific Ocean by that big sandbar.

If you'd like directions to this spot, this website has good ones: http://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/alder-creek-beach-Manchester/  It's a good mile in by foot, as the road has crumbled away in parts and is closed to cars. I dearly miss this public access spot which gave access to the northern part of Manchester State Park.

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

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Linda Bostwick and Mel Smith noticed this juvenile Red-tailed Hawk perusing their vegetable garden in Point Arena. The hawk is welcome to any tasty gophers it finds in there!

Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk by Mel Smith

Here's a close-up of one taken by Sylvia Marie. Red-tailed hawks have so many different feather patterns and colors. It's a good thing the adults have that red tail!

Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk by Sylvia Marie (Large)

Thanks to Mel and Sylvia for allowing me to share their photos with you here.