Tag Archives: The Sea Ranch

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Patricia McBratney recently noticed a colorful moth in her garden on The Sea Ranch. She sent me several photographs to see if I knew what is was. Will Ericson to the rescue! Will identified the moth as a Hemileuca eglanterina, subspecies shastaensis, which is commonly called an Elegant Sheepmoth. In one photo there are two moths. Will explained the female was higher on the blade of grass and had attracted a male to mate with her. This is a rare sighting in the Mendonoma Coast and I'm very happy Patricia allowed me to share these photos with you.

And the mating moths.

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The early rains continue as yet another storm hits the Mendonoma Coast. But a storm's aftermath gives us a chance for rainbows out on the Pacific Ocean. Carolyn André recently photographed one at The Sea Ranch and has kindly allowed me to share it with you here.

Wild mushrooms should be making an early appearance this year!

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Robert Scarola recently photographed two Bucks practicing gentle jousting. They danced up and down the meadow by Robert's Sea Ranch home. Interestingly enough, several California Quail were close by and chose to ignore all the action taking place nearby.

October is the time of the rut of the coast's Black-tailed Deer, when the males fight for the chance to mate. Don't come between a Buck and his heart's desire. Lust is the only thing on his mind!
Thanks to Robert for allowing me to share his photo here.

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Great Blue Herons are one of most photographed birds on the Mendonoma Coast. They are seen often in the meadows at The Sea Ranch hunting for rodents. Marianne Rittenhouse captured a photo of one just as it was taking flight.

Great Blue Herons are wading birds, eating small fish and other goodies in the shallow waters. They also feed on rodents, which TSR meadows have in abundance.

Their nests are made of big, bulky sticks. There are several nests in trees across the Russian River by Duncan's Mills. Adult Herons have few predators as they are so big. The only creatures that can take an adult Heron are Bald Eagles, Great Horned Owls and, very occasionally a Red-tailed Hawk.

I thank Marianne for allowing me to share her beautiful photo with you.

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A beautiful Bobcat was spotted by Jan de Vries hunting in the meadow outside his Sea Ranch home. The Bobcat stayed long enough for Jan to take a series of photos. One photo was published in the Independent Coast Observer this week and can be seen at http://www.mendonoma.com/. Jan has kindly allowed me to share several more photos here.

Such a healthy, beautiful Bobcat, it was probably hunting for Gophers in Jan's meadow.