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