Every so often in the winter the fog will come onshore. Paul Kozal was near Fort Ross Historical State Park when he came across this pretty picture.
You can see the green hills. The rain we had on Sunday and a little more this morning will only help keep them green. Wildflowers will be amazing soon.
Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his beautiful photo. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.paulkozal.com/
A Brown Shrike has been seen for the past week or so in the Alder Creek area. This bird breeds in central and eastern Asia. Less than a handful has ever been seen in California - a very rare visitor indeed.
It's not easy to photograph the bird, and long lenses are needed. The first photo is by Jeff Petit. And the second was taken by Rich Trissel through his spotting scope.
Birders from afar have come to add this bird to their life list.
Thanks to Jeff and Rich for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
The Sea Ranch Chapel is so lovely. Many couples have been married inside this intimate chapel. Bill Oxford recently got this beautiful photo.
Next month there will be a renewal of wedding vows here, as part of The Sea Ranch's 50th anniversary celebration.
Thanks to Bill for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Bill's Sea Ranch photos, here is his website: http://www.searanchphotos.com/
As I mentioned yesterday, the sandbar has once again closed the Gualala River off to the Pacific Ocean. This creates ideal kayaking conditions. Karen Tracy recently took to the water and she saw many beautiful sightings.
It looks idyllic, doesn't it?! As Karen meandered up the river, she came across at Great Blue Heron perched on a branch.
And a Western Pond Turtle sunning itself on a log - a wonderful sighting!
Thanks to Karen for allowing me to share her photos with you here.
Robert Scarola took this photo of the Gualala River lagoon a week ago from Gualala Point Regional Park. The river has closed to the Pacific Ocean for another extended time due to the lack of rain. Since this photo the river is even higher in the lagoon.
When the river is closed by the big sandbar, the mouth of the river is called a lagoon. When the river is open, it is an estuary. Robert's photo shows bushes beginning to bud.
On Saturday, March 21, at 9 am there will be fun, noncompetitive hike at this park. It's to benefit Meals on Wheels here on the Mendonoma Coast. It costs $30.00 a person. What do you get? A snack before the hike, a T-shirt, and lunch at the Gualala Community Center afterwards. Rick and I believe very strongly in the fine work Coastal Seniors does, and Meals on Wheels is a lifeline to people in need. We will be there Saturday with our hiking boots on. There are three different hikes, planned with the longest just a little over 3 miles. The shortest walk is only a mile. Please join us if you are on the Coast!
To learn more about Coastal Seniors, here is their website: http://www.coastalseniors.org/
Thanks to Robert for allowing me to share his photo with you here.