Perhaps this Osprey just wanted to get a drink of water. Perry Hoffman was there to get this great photo.
Thanks to Perry for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Perry's photography and art, here is his website: https://magentaraven.com/
The fog has retreated and the winds have picked up. It's a breezy warm day on the Mendonoma Coast today!
Perry Hoffman wrote, "I saw these birds cawing and pursuing each other and wondered if it was a mating ritual... turn out I was correct. I did a composite photo to show them in action
I've read that Pigeon Guillemots are socially monogamous and keep their pair bonds for many breeding seasons. In spring, pairs return to the breeding grounds, like here off the Mendonoma Coast, and begin courtship near the nest site. The male often chases or circles the female at sea, calling, and sometimes pursues her underwater. And that's what Perry saw and photographed.
On land, the male circles or even jumps over the female, pointing his bill downward and raising his red feet conspicuously as he marches. The female, suitably impressed, circles the male, and then indicates her acceptance.
To hear their very high-pitched calls, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's website: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pigeon_Guillemot/sounds
Thanks to Perry for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see more of Perry's photography and artwork, here is the link to his website: https://magentaraven.com/
Sunny and warm today with a gentler breeze than yesterday!
Karen Wilkinson found "tens of thousands of Calochortus in bloom right now, one of my all-time favorite.” Their common names are Pussy Ears (because they are so soft to the touch) and Tolmie Star-tulip. Karen found them at Salt Point State Park.
Perry Hoffman found Sun Cups. His photo made me smile.
And Julia Larke found Calypso Orchids still in bloom. The ones on Rick's and my land have bloomed and are done.
These little orchids are such a treat to find in the forest!
Thanks to Karen, Perry and Julia for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
Yesterday, Monday, was quite hot - our first hot day of the year. 85 degrees at our place. Today it's back to our normal spring coolness, and the fog rolled in to cool things off further.
Peter Baye told me he's never seen this before - a Calypso Orchid with two lips.
This is what a Calypso almost always looks like, as photographed by Perry Hoffman.
I wonder if Mother Nature is playing tricks on us! It is fun to find an anomaly like this.
Thanks to Peter and Perry for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
A week ago Friday, the Pacific Ocean was booming. Perry Hoffman wrote, “The waves at Black Point were so huge yesterday that the spray created glorious rainbows. Here is my best shot.”
Rainbows in waves are called iridescence, a spectacularly beautiful sight. And Black Point Beach is off The Sea Ranch, a spectacular beach with public access.
Thanks to Perry for allowing me to share his photo with you and for sending me his
"best shot!" To see more of Perry's artwork, here is his website: https://magentaraven.com/
After some fog rolled up the coast, south to north, this morning, it has pulled back over the Pacific Ocean. Blue skies with thin clouds are the order of the day. Rain is forecast to return late on Tuesday.