The very first Harbor Seal pup has been seen resting at Bowling Ball Beach. It is particularly important to leash your dogs and check any beach during pupping season.

Carol Cleland was one of the first to see the pup. She wrote, “I was enjoying a beautiful day on the beach when I saw this very young Harbor Seal pup tucked away napping."

"I figured the mama was out fishing and would come back for her little one. Then I wondered about who I should call to get info on what to do. I assumed I should leave it alone and move on down the beach, but I worried about its safety.”

Never try to “save” a pup. The correct thing to do if you think a pup is in distress is to call the Marine Mammal Center at 415) 289-SEAL  or 415) 289-7350. They have trained volunteers here who will assess the situation, and effect a rescue if needed. Here's a link to their website: http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/

Carol reported this pup was gone the next day, so we hope all is well and that the pup thrives.

The coming weeks are a great time to see new life on the Mendonoma coast. Rick and I have found twigs off our Japanese maple tree on the ground. We know what that means - birds, probably Steller's Jays, are already building their nests. Now is NOT the time to be pruning branches in trees and bushes.

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

Heavy rain in the wee hours of the morning, with clouds mixed with sunshine this afternoon.