Tag Archives: nest

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Several species of swallows migrate northward to the Mendonoma Coast to build their nests, lay their eggs and then diligently feed their chicks. Craig Tooley wrote, "These little Barn Swallows are perched above the front door of friends of ours. Our friends have graciously decided to enter and exit their house through the back door until the chicks fledge. The swallow parents are hard-working.”

Later Craig noticed this Barn Swallow skimming over the sand, presumably scooping up insects from the wrack on the beach.

Interested to know what beach wrack is? Here's an explanation from the web:

Natural material that washes onto the beach is referred to as wrack and includes algae, sea grasses, and some invertebrates such as sponges and soft corals. Wrack serves as the primary source of nutrients to beach communities and is the foundation for the food chain.

Good to know!

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

It's beautiful here on the Mendonoma coast today, temps in the 70s with a stronger afternoon breeze.

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One of Craig Tooley's Pic O Joy, this young American Robin might have just left his/her nest.

Here is a photo Craig took of an adult for comparison.

And here is a photo of a Robin's nest that I took some years ago.

American Robins are beautiful singers. You can listen at this link: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/sounds

Go to the "Sounds and Calls" for the cheery call I'm thinking of. I hear a Robin singing this song at dawn these days - a nice way to start the day.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

Foggy morning, afternoon sun, and mild temps - a perfect 4th of July forecast!

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It would seem very late for a nest, but American Goldfinches do nest later than most birds. And this bird could be contemplating a second clutch. In any case, Craig Tooley watched this goldfinch working on her nest.

It's just a glimpse, for sure, but a sweet photo to see. Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share it with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

Foggy at the beaches, sunny just a bit inland, mild weather with gentle breezes - nice!

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There is a nest at Gualala Point Regional Park with several newly-hatched White-crowned Sparrows. Craig Tooley didn't want to disturb the nest, but he did find one of the parents bringing an insect back to the nest.

Park ranger Roberta Chan cordoned off the area where the nest is. The chicks should fledge soon but in the meantime, don't disturb the little ones in their nest! Karen Wilkinson took the photo of the nest area.

Thanks to Craig and Karen for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

It's a sunny, warm, breezy day here on the Mendonoma Coast.

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Richard Custer has been watching a Raven nest near the Point Arena Lighthouse. Two chicks hatched, and the parents are busy feeding them. Look how hungry these chicks are, and notice the wing feathers coming in.

Here's a beautiful photo of one of the Common Ravens at the Lighthouse, taken by Michael Deligio a few years ago. It kind of looks like a painting!

Thanks to Richard and Michael for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

Wet fog this morning has led to brilliant sunshine this afternoon.