A Burrowing Owl was photographed by Ron LeValley

Cute as can be, a Burrowing Owl was recently photographed by Coastal photographer Ron LeValley.

Here's what Ron wrote about his photo: "The burrowing owl that I posted a photo of in January is still present. They usually don't stay on the coast in the spring and summer, as they nest inland. But this one is still here. It's unusual to see a Burrowing Owl with ice plant.This photograph was taken at MacKerricher State Park, Mendocino County, California on March 17, 2013."

This small Owl eats insects. To hear its call, here's the link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/burrowing_owl/sounds

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

A Bobcat visited Jinx McCombs in Point Arena

We've had quite a year so far for Bobcat sightings. They seem to be thriving on the Mendonoma Coast. Jinx McCombs photographed one recently.

And  here's a rear view look of the Bobcat.

That's a nice meadow, probably filled with tasty Gophers. This Bobcat found a good spot for its dinner.

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

Western Meadowlarks are very difficult to photograph but Craig Tooley did it!

Western Meadowlarks are very beautiful and also difficult to photograph as it is hard to get close to them. Craig Tooley recently succeeded and here is the result.

Meadowlarks are easier to hear, with their flute-like call. They eats seeds and insects.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's Coast photography, here's the link: www.ruffimage.com

And to hear the call of the Meadowlark, here's the link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/western_meadowlark/sounds

Ospreys have returned to the Mendonoma Coast

Now it's officially spring because the Ospreys have returned. Ospreys nest on the Mendonoma Coast. Paul Brewer watches them hunting for fish from his home in Gualala. He photographed one fishing the other day.
Paul photographed the moment this Sea Hawk caught a fish, which was a Surf Perch.

Ospreys returned to the Mendonoma Coast last weekend. The males come first and the females follow in the days to come. I'll be watching the nest down in front of me. It blew down during the December storms. An Osprey has been seen on that tree for several days now. Hopefully his mate will join him and begin rebuilding the nest. They raised two young ones at that nest last year.

Thanks to  Paul for allowing me to share his work. To see much more of Paul's photography, here's his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/

Monday's sunset was amazing

Just a few sprinkles came down but the clouds were amazing. Here's a photo I took from our deck in Anchor Bay just before sunset.

Quite unusual cloud formations filled the sky, while the horizon was clearing. I saw a double green flash at sunset.

We have more rain in our forecast, which is welcome news after the nearly dry months of January and February...and March hasn't been much better. Let's do a rain dance!

Anchor Bay Beach is a great place to play in the waves

Tom Eckles took his dogs for a play date at Anchor Bay Beach.

 The clouds make for a dramatic backdrop to Tom's photo.

 Life is good when you can play in the waves and sand with friends!

Thanks to Tom for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Tom's photography, here's the link to his website: www.tomeckles.com

Rob Diefenbach and Carolyn André photographed the green flash

After the rain clouds lifted late Wednesday the sky was beautiful. Rob Diefenbach trained his camera on the sunset and got this green flash.

The same night Carolyn André photographed the sunset. The back story here is - she's never seen the green flash.

Carolyn still hasn't seen the green flash. She didn't know she photographed it until she uploaded the photo. I told her that it normally is easier to SEE a green flash than to photograph one. Too funny.

To see a green flash that turned into something more, here's the link: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-green-flash-that-turned-into.html

Thanks to Carolyn and Rob for allowing me to share their photos with you here!