Wild Rhododendrons are in bloom on the Mendonoma Coast now and what a delight it is to see their lovely blooms. They begin blooming in April and peak in early May. This is prime time to see them! I took this photo yesterday right along Highway One at Salt Point State Park. These plants are protected by law - it is illegal to sell them. The Pacific Northwest has ideal growing conditions for wild Rhododendrons and I feel so fortunate to have some growing on the land where we live in Anchor Bay.
One of my favorite birds, the majestic Brown Pelicans, have been seen in the past several days migrating north. While thousands of Loons are speedily flying by every day, the much slower and bigger Brown Pelicans seem to have gravitas. These birds were nearly made extinct by the pesticide DDT decades ago so their recovery is heartwarming. I took this photo this morning on the bluffs at Sea Ranch while bird watching with Rick and others. The early morning was windless and warm - just spectacular. This flock flew over our heads. May the Brown Pelicans live long and prosper!
The bluffs are awash in color today as wildflowers are blooming in the warm sun. Wild rhododendrons began blooming this week and the first wild azaleas are opening to the sun. Orange bush monkey-flowers are blooming in earnest in sunny spots. This native plant doesn't want summer water. It's a host plant for a butterfly that is struggling - the Checkerspot Butterfly. And darned if it doesn't have medicinal qualities too. The flowers and root have antiseptic qualities that aid in the healing of scrapes and burns.
One of the joys of living on the coast is watching the sun set "into" the ocean. If conditions are perfect, you might be rewarded with a green flash. The horizon must be clear for this phenomenon to appear. Here on the Mendonoma Coast the green flash is more like a pulse of emerald green light, as if someone was holding a flashlight just a bit above the sun as it disappears. Don't blink because it's usually over in a flash! It is particularly difficult to photograph but Frank Vaskelis captured one and has graciously allowed me to share here with you.
My best to you! Jeanne Jackson, Gualala
It's amazing but true. Millions of years ago Horsetails were the size of trees. Now they grow a foot or so high in and near the creek bed of Quinliven Creek and other creeks on the Mendonoma Coast. Huckleberry, our golden retriever, occasionally chomps the top off of one, to no ill effect. Equisetum is their Latin name and they too have medicinal qualities. In Native American medicine they were used to stop bleeding. They were also used for scrubbing pots. I just like looking at them in the forest!
