Tag Archives: Steve McLaughlin

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Steve McLaughlin, publisher of the Independent Coast Observer newspaper, was at Pelican Bluffs recently. There, under a bush, he spied a Gnome!

How fun is this? Pelican Bluffs is a spectacular addition to our public open spaces in Mendocino County. Here's a look of the dramatic bluffs and a peek at one of the trails, photos taken by Allen Vinson.

The land was brought to us by the Mendocino Land Trust. To learn more about Pelican Bluffs, here is their website: https://www.mendocinolandtrust.org/trails/southern-coastal-trails/pelican-bluffs-trail/

You can download a trail map from the above link. If you go, keep a lookout for Peregrine Falcons. Just before the shutdown in March, we heard, and then saw, two Peregrines. They were giving their warning calls, so I believe they might have nested nearby. Perhaps their chicks will be fledging soon.

Thanks to Steve and Allen for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

Sunny and toasty here today!

Spring doesn't know...

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Steve wrote, "On a Memorial Day weekend walk at Pelican Bluffs with friends, I encountered this lizard on the trail. They're great photo subjects - they don't move a muscle!”

Steve’s wife, Nancy, told me this type of lizard is often bitten by ticks. There is a protein in the lizard’s blood that cleanses the tick of Lyme disease. They also eat ticks and other invertebrates such as insects and spiders. Perhaps a cure for Lyme disease will come from studying how this lizard is able to neutralize it. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

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

It's already heating up on the Mendonoma Coast. Point Arena puts on their annual fireworks tomorrow night, Saturday, at the Pier. And the parade is Sunday at noon. The weather should be great if you like it warm.

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Suzie Chapler photographed a Sierran Treefrog peeking out from one of the orchids she inherited from her mother, Gretchen. It made Suzie smile to see this little frog.

Kristine Rose photographed one in the process of changing color, from green to brown.

Steve and Nancy McLaughlin spotted this Treefrog climbing a window at the big Mother's Day brunch in Plantation. These frogs are excellent climbers - they have suction cups on their fingers and toes!

Thanks to Suzie, Kristine, and Steve for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

We are having a warm and breezy day on the coast today - no fog!