Gualala Point Regional Park - a great place to visit

On a visit to Gualala Point Regional Park on Thursday, Rick and I hiked along the bluffs. It was a warm beautiful day with little wind. I always bring a jacket when I head to the ocean but I didn't need it that day! The sweet song of a White-crowned Sparrow caught our attention and there he was sitting on top of a Lupine bush. In the warmth the smell from the Lupines was sweet indeed.

 Can you see what is in the photo below? Only Huckleberry's interest and a flash of movement alerted us that something was there.

 Here is a close-up of what Huckleberry saw - a snake in the grass. It was a long one too, well over a foot and a half long.

 And keeping with the hard to see theme, can you see the Deer looking at us? The grasses at the park are lush and full of feed. The Deer at the park are going to be very healthy.

 And lastly, here's a photo of Gualala Point Island, an important rookery for nesting seabirds.

It costs $7.00 for the day use fee. We purchased a Sonoma County Parks annual pass, which we use regularly. It is also good at all the Sea Ranch public access trails.

What I haven't shown you here is the beautiful beach at the park. That will have to wait for another post.

The Gualala River is finally closed to the Pacific Ocean

Last week on Thursday Rick and I were surprised to see the Gualala River had reopened. It was drained about as low as we've seen it. The water was crystal clear and Rick saw a Steelhead swim by. This is how it looked from the pull-out at Gualala Point Regional Park last week.

 And this is what it looked like a week later. The river is closed and starting to fill up. It's a wonderful river to kayak or paddle on those new SUPs, stand up paddles.

To rent a kayak, canoe or SUP, Adventure Rents is the place to call - http://www.adventurerents.com/

Birth of a Harbor Seal, as photographed by Jeannie Claypoole

Three weeks ago Jeannie Claypoole was observing Tidepool Rookery on The Sea Ranch. She saw a Harbor Seal that seemed very antsy. Sure enough, she was about to give birth. Below you will see the baby just appearing, looking like a round ball.

I find this photo quite wonderful as it shows another Harbor Seal taking interest in the birth. The Gull is waiting to perform its job - it will consume the afterbirth.

 And below the pup is out and the mother is taking her first look at her young one.

 There is a final photo in this series and it's posted on the Independent Coast Observer's web site under On-Line Features, Sightings photos. It shows the pup and mother  bonding - a very sweet sight.
Here's the link to the ICO: www.mendonoma.com

Thanks to Jeannie for allowing me to share her wonderful photos with you here.

Beautiful wildflowers blooming in the forest

On a hike in the forest with friends, we enjoyed seeing some beautiful wildflowers. The first is Pacific Starflower, which was growing on a bank in dappled sun. The blossoms are very small but exquisite

 In a darkly shaded part of the forest we found this lone Pussy Ears. Yes, the inside of this flower is very soft to the touch. Look at the long slender leaf of this wildflower - it is what you first look for.

 And on the forest floor we found a late blooming Douglas Iris amidst the the tiny, white "shooting star" flowers of Alumroot. You can see the maple-like leaves of the Alumroot.

 And growing alongside a seasonal creek in a sunny spot was this California Wild Rose. Native peoples made a tea out of the rose hips for medicinal purposes.

 It's a beautiful day today on the Mendonoma Coast. The air is so soft and warm you can almost drape around your shoulders. My best to you today, Jeanne Jackson

The eclipse of 5/20/12, reflected off of Redwood trees in Gualala, as photographed by Gail Hamilton

Gail Hamilton's husband, Dave, was watching the eclipse reflected through a pin-hole in a sheet of paper, as recommended. After looking at it for a while, Gail wandered to the back of her house where she found a kaleidoscope of eclipses dancing on their deck and garage. The eclipse was reflected off their Redwood trees and created quite a show for Gail.

Below is  Gail and Dave's back deck. What an amazing photo!

And below the eclipse as seen off the side of the Hamiltons' garage.

Gail said, "It was unimaginably beautiful. I was transfixed by this amazing whirling multiplicity of images."
Thanks to Gail for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

Another precious newborn Fawn photo I wanted to share with you

I know you've been enjoying Ron LeValley's photos of the newborn fawn sleeping on his front doormat. A friend reminded me of a similar situation from a few years ago. A Doe left her newborn on the side of a street on The Sea Ranch! The little one was fast asleep. You will see that security put up two cones to help keep the fawn safe. David McFarland sent in this sweet photo and I thank him for sharing it with us.

We've also had several white fawns born on the Coast but none so far this year. I'll be posting photos soon.

There is always something beautiful to see on the Mendonoma Coast!

Purdy's Iris - a beautiful inland cousin to Douglas Iris

Purdy's Iris, Iris purdyi, is found in Northern California coastal ranges. Emily Nelson found a beautiful blossom growing amidst poison oak on Mountain View Road.

 These California natives are found from Sonoma county north to Trinity county. What a treat to see these beauties. Thanks to Emily for allowing me to share her photos with you here.