Early rains hit the Mendonoma Coast and a little Rough-skinned Newt was on the move

Yes, it is early for the Mendonoma Coast to have rain but try telling that to Mother Nature. Yesterday we received a nice soaking. Perhaps that is why this tiny Rough-skinned Newt was seen crossing a forest path this morning. Not much longer than an inch and a half, this is a baby Newt. Perhaps it started its life in one of the ponds on Quinliven Creek. Rick and I only noticed it because it moved. Notice the hints of orange coloring on its edges. If you turned this Newt over, you would see its orange undersides.

To see the adult Rough-skinned Newt that lives in the pond in our courtyard, click on this link: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/04/interesting-creature-living-in-our-pond.html

Bucks have begun practice jousting on the Mendonoma Coast - the rut can't be far behind

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.

Great Blue Heron photographed just as it takes flight - a lovely photograph by Marianne Rittenhouse

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.

The common name for this beautiful wildflower gives away its secret weapon - Vinegar-weed!

On a recent walk of the banks of the Gualala River I spotted a small, purple wildflower growing in the gravel bed. Its tiny blooms were orchid-like. Not knowing its name, I sent the photo to Peter Baye. I could almost hear his chortle when he wrote back with the identification. Vinegar-weed, he wrote, aka Turpentine weed. "Too bad you didn't smell it," he said, "the aroma of the leaves can give you whiplash, kind of like smelling salts." Well, I'm very glad I didn't smell it!  I think I'll just admire it from a distance.

It's a California native and its Latin name is Trichostema lanceolatum. Like many other CA native plants it has medicinal qualities. Native American peoples used it as a cold and fever remedy, for pain relief and...wait for it!...a flea repellent.

Bodega Bay - always picturesque.

Bodega Bay is a small town on the Sonoma Coast with a big bay. Fishing is a way of life here. It's also a tourist destination with restaurants and several inns and lodges.

Allen Vinson recently took several photographs that will give you a bit of a feel for what this area is like.

                 A fishing boat heading out of the bay through the fog.

           Two American White Pelicans visiting the waters of Bodega Bay.

Thanks to Allen for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

Rainbow colors in misty fog - a beautiful photo from coastal photographer Craig Tooley

It doesn't seem to matter what subject Craig Tooley photographs, he always captures beauty. In this photo Craig has caught the fog droplets refracting sunlight, creating a dance of rainbow colors - a gift of beauty for you today from the Mendonoma Coast.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo. You can see much more of Craig's work at: http://ruffimage.com/

Exploring the Gualala River via Gualala Point Regional Park

Recently Rick and I and our Golden Retriever, Huckleberry, explored the east side of Gualala Point Regional Park. There is a small but beautiful campground there, nestled up against the Gualala River. Using our annual day pass, we parked near the campground and headed east on a narrow trail. Just a few steps into the forest felt like we had entered another world.

Here is a photo of a Douglas-fir that grew over a Redwood stump. I've never seen the roots of a Douglas-fir growing above ground before.

And we found this old, knobby California Bay tree. Elves could live here!

We then came to the Gualala River and in went Huckleberry.

Life is good when you are a Golden Retriever getting wet!
Here's a link to a beautiful sunset taken at the park. http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/08/beautiful-sunset-at-gualala-point.html