Tag Archives: Sara Bogard

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American Goldfinches arrive in chattering groups, attracted to native thistles and milkweed. They love sunflower and nyger seeds, so you might be able to attract them to a tube feeder. Ron Bolander photographed this pair. The male is looking very spiffy in his bright yellow feathers.

Sara Bogard also photographed these small finches feeding on a coastal bluff.

These birds often are seen with Pine Siskins. Their songs are a series of warbles and twitters. You can listen to their call at this link of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Goldfinch/sounds

Thanks to Ron and Sara for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

A river of rain event is on its way this afternoon. It's quite balmy as we await Mother Nature's theatrics. Rick and I were out yesterday and we checked the Gualala River. It is closed by the sandbar and has filled up nicely into the lagoon. We'll have to see if the river opens with this oncoming storm.

Spring doesn't know...

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Ospreys nest on the Mendonoma Coast, and it's quite wonderful seeing them dive for fish. As many of the females are currently sitting on eggs, the male brings a fish back to the nest for her to feed. Sara Bogard saw an Osprey with what I believe is a Surf Perch.

Ospreys dive with their talons extended as they enter the ocean. Here's a dramatic photo Paul Brewer took several years ago of an Osprey snagging a fish.

Thanks to Sara and Paul for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

We've had some nice, gentle rain, nearly an inch from the two storms. More to come but this afternoon is quite beautiful with dramatic clouds interspersed with sunshine.

Spring doesn't know...

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It's always a joy when the Ospreys return, right around the first day of Spring. Rick and I get to watch an active nest in Anchor Bay through our spotting scope. While there are multiple nests here, perhaps Ron Bolander photographed the male of the pair we watch.

This Osprey has a very intent look on his face! He hunts fish for his mate, as she sits on the nest, tending to the eggs. He also will bringing nest materials back to the nest on a regular basis. They fine-tune and reinforce their nest daily. Sara Bogard photographed an Osprey bringing nesting materials back to the nest.

He's got quite a haul!

Yesterday, as I was watching the nest, I saw Common Ravens over the nest. They were trying to steal the eggs! The female Osprey stayed on her eggs with her neck extended, while the male Osprey performed aerial maneuvers, dive-bombing the Ravens and chasing them off. Whew! Today all is calm.

Thanks to Ron and Sara for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

We are headed into a warming trend. Today it's in the high 60's with a breeze.

Spring doesn't know...

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Yes, the first Harbor Seal pups have made their appearance in secluded coves. One area where they are born is at Tidepool Rookery off The Sea Ranch, another area is by the Point Arena Lighthouse/Point Arena Stornetta Lands. After the birth, the mother and pup touch noses. Sara Bogard recently witnessed a birth, and she photographed this photo which she entitled, "A Mother's Kiss." The mother is on the left.

A sweet, loving photo for you today. Thanks to Sara for allowing me to share it with you.

A few words of warning: never "rescue" a pup you might see along on the beach. The mother leaves her sweet pup to go feed. Also, make sure your dogs are leashed, or better yet, leave them behind if viewing Harbor Seals now. Make no noise or sudden movement, and you will be rewarded with a blissful sighting.

Another warm spring day here on the Mendonoma coast, with high clouds. Spring doesn't know...

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Sara Bogard was doing her weekly Harbor Seal survey at the bluffs near the Point Arena Lighthouse when she saw this Bald Eagle with its dinner. A Common Raven looks on, but this Bald Eagle - like most, I believe - won't share.

One of my favorite photos of the Gualala Bald Eagles is this one taken by Eric Zetterholm.

Thanks to Sara and Eric for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

The storm moved on, leaving us with a breezy, drifting clouds kind of day.

Spring doesn't know...