The beautiful Sonoma Coast as photographed by Tom Eckles

Tom Eckles was traveling down Highway One when he saw this scene.

It almost looks like a painting.Thanks to Tom for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see more of Tom's photography, here's his website: tomeckles.com

Bobcat hunting Gophers, as photographed by Mark Simkins

Mark was watching this Bobcat hunting Gophers at his place in Manchester. The Bobcat was so intent that it ignored Mark and his camera.

 And you will see below, the Bobcat was successful.

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

To see a photo of a Bobcat leaping through the air, here's the link: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/06/bobcat-caught-in-mid-air-by-drew-fagan.html

Fog Bow as photographed by Peggy Berryhill

Several weeks ago Peggy Berryhill was driving by Jenner when she saw a white arc in the sky - a fog bow.

Rainbows, fog bows, moon bows - they are always a treat to see. Thanks for Peggy for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

To see another photo of a fog bow, here's the link: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/09/rare-photo-of-fog-bow-by-coastal.html
And to see a most unusual, unique photo of a cloud falling out of a cloud, here's the link: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/05/rare-cloud-phenomenon-cloud-falling-out.html

The first Boletus edulis was found by Lita and Joe Gitt

I really wasn't expecting the first King Bolete until later next week but here's proof the first one has fruited. Lita and Joe Gitt found their first Boletus edulis of the season.

What a beautiful mushroom! Porcini mushrooms are wonderful to find and delicious to eat. I love Joe's shirt - say it out loud and you'll get the pun.

Thanks to Lita for allowing me to share her photo with you here. To see the biggest King Bolete I've ever seen, here's the link: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/10/biggest-king-bolete-ive-ever-seen-was.html

Beautiful sunset

Autumn sunsets on the Mendocino Coast will sometimes take your breath away.

Taken from our front deck in Anchor Bay, a gift from me to you.

A new filly for the Point Arena Pinto herd - meet Otumwa!

Polka Dot gave birth to a black and white filly. She has one blue eye, which is common genetically for Pintos. Jacqueline McAbery named her Otumwa, which means rippling waters or place of moving waters. Here is Otumwa with her mother.

Jacqueline wrote, "Thunder is the proud papa and only stallion left in the herd. Because Thunder kicked out all the stallions (now geldings), we have had to keep most of the herd on our property. Thunder, mares and new babies still live on the property next door. We are doing our best at birth control but since Thunder is too old, he cannot be gelded. So the two brooding mares live with him as he would be very upset if we took them away and left him alone. All the geldings and the younger mares live on our property.

"When I adopted the herd, it never occurred to me that they would not graze down by the highway anymore. I have heard that people are upset that they don't see the pintos very often. Because we feed them daily on higher ground and the two herds visit over the fence between the two properties, the hoses don't roam near the highway frequently anymore. I am also disappointed that the locals don't see them. We have come up with the idea of holding an event here so people can see them.

"The other challenge we have is the expense of taking care of so many horses. I must admit, we were rather naive about this when we adopted them! So we have decided to have an event here next May. Our wonderful trainer, Kathe Smothers, will demonstrate on how she is gentling the horses for halters and we will be selling and raffling off pinto t-shirts, calendars, their book, etc. to help support the two herds. I will keep you posted about the event. The 2013 Point Arena Pinto calendar will be for sale at the Four-eyed Frog Bookstore around the middle of November. I have been waiting for this new foal to be born so she could included!"

Thanks to Jacqueline for allowing me to share her photo and for telling us what has been going on with the herds.

To learn more about these beautiful horses, here's their website: http://pointarenapintos.blogspot.com/ And to order a calendar, here's the link to the Four-eyed Frog: http://www.foureyedfrog.com/

Pacific White-sided Dolphin - look what Ron LeValley photographed!

Ron LeValley was out on a pelagic trip off the Mendocino Coast when this Pacific White-sided Dolphin performed a complete flip close to the boat.

Ron caught all the action and assembled these six photos. The top left is the beginning of the action. Pretty amazing leap!

Thanks to Ron for allowing me to share his wonderful photos with you here. To see much more of Ron's wildlife photography, here's his website: http://www.levalleyphoto.com/home/

Western Screech Owl moves into Peggy and Mike Mee's Owl house

Peggy and Mike Mee were thrilled to see a Western Screech Owl appear in the opening of the Owl house they installed near their Sea Ranch home.

 Two years ago they had a Kestrel stay a few days in the same Owl house.

Thanks to Peggy Mee for allowing me to share her photos here.

To see a photo of a Nothern Spotted Owl, here's the link: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2012/07/northern-spotted-owl-as-photographed-by.html

Ocean sunset as photographed by Robert Scarola

Sunset watching in the fall is particularly rewarding. Robert Scarola has the magic when it comes to photographing lovely sunsets.

And I try my hand too. Here is another recent sunset.

It's mating season for our local Black-tailed Deer - yes, the rut is here

Bucks have been reappearing on the Mendonoma Coast and they have one thing on their minds. Bucks have been seen locking antlers over a particularly attractive Doe. It's the time of year to give these big Bucks a wide berth.

Recently Ben Angwin photographed a young Buck in the grasses at Gualala Point Regional Park.

 Gualala Point Rergional Park is a favorite of mine. Rick and I enjoy taking our golden retriever, Huckleberry, there for a walk. Below is a photo I took from the bluff trail on Thursday. Beautiful, wouldn't you agree?

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

Beautiful adult Bald Eagle seen at the Navarro River and this morning's sky - yes, a storm is coming

Bald Eagles are a rare sighting on the Mendonoma Coast. We hope one day they will be a common sighting. It's always exciting to see one of these magnificent birds. Paul Brewer and his wife Jacquie were driving up to the town of Mendocino when they spotted this beautiful Bald Eagle by the Navarro River. As they watched the bird flew down and drank from the river.

What a wonderful sighting. Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see more of Paul's wildlife photographer, here's the link to his web site: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/

We have rain in our forecast, the first rain in many a moon. This is what the sky looked like from our deck in Anchor Bay this morning. Storm is on the way!

My best to you, Jeanne Jackson

Gray Whale in the golden sunset

There have been sightings of a Gray Whale or two off the Mendonoma Coast. This whale was photographed by John Batchelder. It was seen off of The Sea Ranch.

Another Gray Whale was spotted by Ken Bailey off of Point Arena. Ken was out in his boat when he saw the whale. But Ken saw something else that really surprised him - a Mola mola. They like warm water so this might be a sign the Tuna are or will soon be running. No photo of the very strange-looking Sunfish. Ken said it was so big a Gull was sitting on it! Amazing.

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

Possible tsunami debris found at Shell Beach on The Sea Ranch

A towel with Japanese characters washed up on a rock at Shell Beach on The Sea Ranch last week. Lynda Frye was walking with a friend when she found it. Of course we don't know if it is from the tsunami but it certainly could be. This is a very unusual item to find on the beach.

We will be alert in the weeks and months ahead to see what might show up on our beaches from a terrible disaster half the world away.

To see several other photos of possible tsunami debris, here are the links: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2012/06/first-wave-of-tsunami-debris-has.html
http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-few-more-views-from-our-day-at.html

Thanks to Lynda for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

Raccoon family, as photographed by Siegfried Matull

Siegfried and Gretel Matull very much enjoy watching the wildlife near their Sea Ranch home. Siegfried often captures photos when the parents bring their young ones near. He recently photographed a mother Raccoon with her cubs.

 Siegfried also sent in the photo below, which he says is his favorite of all his Raccoon photos.

Thanks to Siegfried for allowing me to share his photos with you here. These bring a smile to my face and I hope it does the same to you!

A Long-tailed Weasel, as photographed by Dennis Latona

A Long-tailed Weasel has taken up residence close to one of the rental units at the Point Arena Lighthouse. Dennis Latona was staying there recently and captured these photos.

Weasels are aggressive carnivores. They also have great agility and determination. They look cute, but they are fierce. Rodents are their prey but they will go after many critters, including snakes and birds.

Thanks to Dennis for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see Dennis' beautiful nature photography, here's the link to his web site: http://www.pinenutz.com/

And to see another photo of a Long-tailed Weasel, including its burrow, here's the link: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2012/08/long-tailed-weasel-rare-sighting-as.html

A Gray Whale came close to shore at Anchor Bay Beach

I recently showed you a photo of Anchor Bay Beach and mentioned that it was a fun place to play in the waves. Two youngsters had their boogie boards and were doing just that when a Gray Whale appeared very close to shore. Perhaps the whale heard the laughter of the children and came close to join in the fun.

A wonderful memory for these children to tuck away into their hearts and minds.

Thanks to Gail Thompson for allowing me to share these photos with you here.

Friday night's sunset, as photographed by Allen Vinson

Allen Vinson was photographing the sunset from a trail on The Sea Ranch. No green flash, as there were clouds on the horizon. But still, a lovely sunset on the Mendonoma Coast.

I sometimes wonder if sunsets are like snowflakes - no two are alike.

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

It's fun to play in the waves at Anchor Bay Beach

Sure, the water is cold and you probably will need a wet suit. But Anchor Bay Beach is a fun place to ride the waves. David Wayne Floyd recently photographed a fellow with a boogie board enjoying the waves.

Here's a link to a photo of surfing at this beautiful beach: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/05/surfing-on-mendonoma-coast.html

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

It looks like the Ospreys have left the Mendonoma Coast

The Ospreys that raised two young in the nest in front of us have gone, along with their two fledglings. I haven't seen or heard an Osprey for a week or so. It appears they have migrated south. It is possible that an Osprey or two will remain during the winter. One stayed over winter near The Sea Ranch several years ago. But the great majority migrate to warmer climes in Central and South America.

Robert Scarola captured a photo of an Osprey with a fish several weeks ago. It's going to have to hold us until the Ospreys return to grace us with their presence next spring.

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

Beautiful sunset followed, of course, by a lovely sunrise

Tuesday's sunset was beautiful with the first few storm clouds we've seen in quite a while. The rain stayed off shore but the clouds always make for a dramatic sunset. This one came with a golden path.

And the sunrise painted in pastels was a vision in loveliness. Can you see the top of Fish Rocks? The sun is just beginning to light it up. It's at the bottom left of the photo below. There is an active Sea Lion colony there and on calm days - and nights - the sound of the males barking can be heard. Things will settle down soon when the males move away for the winter months and give the females and their pups a break.

Black-crowned Night Heron seen on the Navarro River

Peter Baye was kayaking on the Navarro River when he saw this adult Black-crowned Night Heron.

Peter let his kayak drift towards the Heron and didn't move. As he said, it worked! Peter got a great photo. I love the reflection in the river.

Several years ago Peter photographed the juvenile below. There sure is quite a difference in coloring.

Kayaking on one of the Coast's wild rivers - sounds idyllic, doesn't it? Thanks to Peter for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

A rare wildflower on the Mendonoma Coast - meet the Rattlesnake Plantain

Roland Pesch found a small group of Rattlesnake Plantain, Goodyera oblongifolia. This wildflower is uncommon in our area. It gets it common name by the coloring of its leaves. Roland's photo, however, only shows the lovely blossoms.

You might look for this summer blooming wildflower along trails in dry forest floors. I have only seen this wildflower once. It was growing amidst huckleberries and manzanita on a neighbor's property. Unfortunately a Deer ate the entire plant and I haven't seen it bloom since.

This wildflower grows in greater abundance to our north. It is native to Oregon. Thanks to Roland for sharing his photograph with us here.

To see a very rare wildflower, here is the link: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/10/gentian-blue-rare-wildflower-by-coastal.html

Gray Fox mother grooms her kit as photographed by Jim Garlock

We share the Mendonoma Coast with Gray Foxes. Their kits are among the cutest critters around. Jim Garlock recently photographed this sweet scene near his home in Gualala where the Mother Fox was grooming her kit.

To see a photo of  newborn Gray Fox Kits, here's the link: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/06/gray-fox-kits-are-being-born-now-on.html

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

Another photo of the young Mountain Lion that was stalked by a house cat and the story of the event

Here is the other photo of the young Mountain Lion photographed by Lynne Barnard at Sea Ranch.

You can see its loooong tail actually dragging on the ground. Here is the story, as told by Lynne.

“It was an incredible sighting. I had arrived home about an hour before and was entertaining guests. I have glass French doors opening to the front yard and as I came into the room I could see a large, buff-colored feline sunning himself on a PG&E box! His tail was quite long and thick, but you could tell he was a juvenile Mountain Lion because of his enormous tail, size, dark markings on his cheeks and some fading spots on his coat. We opened the front door to get a better look and take some photographs and watched the animal walk for a bit. The Cougar seemed to be distracted, watching us and what turned out to be a neighbor’s house cat. Truffles, also called ‘Saddam’ because she takes on anything and everything, entered the picture and started to stalk the young Mountain Lion. She ultimately tried to attack the Mountain Lion and they moved off into the brush and out of sight but you could hear the yowls of fighting cats. ‘Saddam’ survived, albeit a little shaken, and I haven’t seen the beautiful Mountain Lion since.” 

To see Lynne's other photo showing Truffles, here's the link: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-house-cat-stalking-mountain-lion.html

Thanks to Lynne for sharing her sighting and photos with us here.

Tuesday's sunset and beautiful clouds

The heat wave broke on Thursday with the return of cooling fog. But Tuesday night's sunset was special not because there was a green flash - there wasn't - but because of some beautiful clouds in the sky.

These were taken from our deck. To see such beauty is a privilege that we don't take for granted.

Sunday's green flash, as photographed by Allen Vinson

Allen Vinson was watching the sunset Sunday on the bluffs at Walk On Beach on The Sea Ranch. He too caught magic and photographed the green flash.

 Below Allen cropped his photo so you could see the green flash close-up.

Many thanks to Allen  - and his new Nikon D600 - for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

The Green Flash was seen Sunday at sunset

Patty Buechner was at Gualala Point Regional Park watching the sunset. She caught magic when she photographed the green flash.

We are having our usual autumn heat wave and that means the fog has disappeared, leaving a clear horizon. That's the recipe for a possible green flash. Not a myth, but reality - the elusive green flash is always a treat to see.

Thanks to Patty for allowing me to share her photo with you here. I have another photo of Sunday's green flash to show you tomorrow. You are bound to be amazed!

American White Pelicans arrive on the Sonoma Coast

Beautiful American White Pelicans migrate from inland lakes and waterways to overwinter on the Coast. You are more likely to see some by the Russian River, though Rick and I once saw a pair fly over us in the town of Mendocino. Jim Garlock recently photographed some early arriving birds.

These Pelicans fish differently than Brown Pelicans. They sit on the surface of the water and lower their head to scoop up fish. Brown Pelicans dramatically plunge dive. American White Pelicans are graceful fliers, using thermals to help them on their way. You know it's autumn when these big birds arrive on the Coast.

Thanks to Jim for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see another photo of these birds, seen at Bodega Bay, here's the link: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/09/bodega-bay-always-picturesque.html

Blue Dasher Dragonfly, as photographed by Coastal photographer Ron LeValley

Dragonflies and Damselflies are so intriguing and beautiful. They are living jewels that are found near water. Ron LeValley recently photographed a male Blue Dasher - a Dragonfly.

I thank Ron for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To much more of Ron's photography, here's the link to his web site: http://www.levalleyphoto.com/home/

To see several other Dragonflies on this site, here are the links: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/07/dragonfly-flame-skimmer-visited-my.html
http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/09/pacific-spiketail-dragonfly-is-seen-and.html
http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/09/dragonflies-and-damselflies-so.html