Monthly Archives: July 2011

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One of my favorite birds on the Mendonoma Coast is the Swainson's Thrush. Its flute-like calls are wonderful to hear, always ending on a high note. To listen for yourself, here's a link from Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/swainsons_thrush/sounds

Robert Schwein discovered a nest with three eggs. They are completely blue with no flecks of brown, which is a bit unusual. However the babies didn't care. Robert watched them fledge a few days ago.

American Goldfinches arrive in the spring, delighting us with their beauty. Jeff and Pearl Watts had a  Goldfinch nest in the wreath hanging on their door! Here's a photo of the young birds in the nest.

Thanks to the Watts and Robert Schwein for allowing me to share their photos.

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Betty Bailey captured a moment of serenity on The Sea Ranch - a Great Blue Heron in the foreground and a Great Egret in the back. They eat fish but also mice and other small rodents. Perhaps that is what they were looking for in that meadow. Thanks to Betty for allowing me to share her photo.

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An orange Dragonfly - Libellula saturata - visited my garden in Anchor Bay. In our courtyard we have a small pond with a waterfall flowing from an old-growth Redwood stump. The Rough-skinned Newt is still in residence in the pond. A few days ago I noticed this beautiful naiad flitting around the plants by the pond. This jewel-like Dragonfly eats moths, flies, ants and other insects. Welcome to my garden, male Flame Skimmer!

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Siegfried Matull has set his camera lens on a grouping of stone owls at his home at The Sea Ranch. He got a Raccoon appearing to hug one of the owls - a touch of whimsy and fun for you today.
         All my best, Jeanne Jackson, Gualala
      

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If you are visiting the Mendonoma Coast, a trip to the Point Arena Lighthouse is a great stop. There's a museum, a gift shop and the restored lighthouse itself. It's a great spot for seeing wildlife, including River Otters, Brown Pelicans and Whales. It's also a great spot for spectacular sunsets as evidenced in Rae Radtkey's photo below. I thank her for allowing me to share it here with you.

To learn more about this landmark, go to http://www.pointarenalighthouse.com/