Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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I love Stars but I think Bat Stars might be my favorite. Of course I'm hearing a particular song in my head right now - Batman is featured!

And here Amy photographed an Ochre Star. Heck, I love them too! They come in various colors and look like they are bedecked in jewels.

One more find for today, a Pacific Stubby Rose Anemone - isn't it beautiful?

I'll be sharing a few more of Amy's finds tomorrow.

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

We made it through the big storm on Sunday but there are many power outages because of falling trees. The wind was particularly fierce. We didn't get nearly as much rain as those to our south. From the storm we received 2.17 inches at Rick's and my place (those up on the ridge got quite a bit more rain), season to date is 36.84. I consider 50 inches to be a "normal" wet year. We're getting there.

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GREATER FARALLONES NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY SEEKS BEACH SURVEYORS

NOAA’s Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries and Greater Farallones Association are seeking community scientists to help collect data on the condition of our sanctuary shores in north-central California. For 30 years, Beach Watch has monitored the presence of bird, marine mammal, oil and human uses on the California coast with the help of community volunteers.

Beach Watch volunteers receive training and monitor an assigned beach segment, collecting data to support the conservation and management of sanctuary wildlife, habitats, and ecosystem. Volunteers identify, count, and photo-document living and dead birds and marine mammals; document human uses of the coast in partnership with MPA Watch; and document and collect oil pollution samples as evidence.

Interested in Becoming a Beach Watch Volunteer? Here's How:

  • Register and attend one of the orientations to receive program details and application materials:
  • Orientation coming up is a  Virtual Orientation Feb 10, 2024 9:30 am-11:00am. 
  • Be 18+ years old, able to navigate uneven terrain;
  • Have a passion or interest in coastal ecology and learning;
  • Submit an application;
  • Attend all required training, and 80 hours of field and classroom instruction;
  • Commit to surveying your beach once every four weeks, for a minimum of one year.

People of all backgrounds and life experiences are welcome and encouraged to apply.

***Visit https://beachwatch.farallones.org/get-involved/ to learn more and register for an Orientation. ***

 

I added the photos and they are all by the fabulous photographer Craig Tooley. Thanks as always to Craig for allowing me to share his photos. See much more at his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

I hope some of you will become Beach Watch volunteers - you are sure to learn a lot and contribute to science while doing so!

It is storming here this afternoon, Sunday Feb. 4th. There are many power outages including at Rick's and my place in Anchor Bay. I'm thankful for the generator! It's very windy to go along with the drenching rain, and it's coming from a different direction than normal. That causes a lot of trees to fall. Many of the coast's roads are closed. It's a day to stay home and off the roads. May we all come through this river-of[rain event in good shape! I will report on the rain totals soon.

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Eric Zetterholm recently found the Bald Eagles near the mouth of the Gualala River on a cloudy day. In this first photo, the smaller male seems to be "singing" to his mate. Could it be a love song, eagle-style?

Apparently she approved, as the male was allowed to  mate with her.

And in the last photo, the deed is done. hmmm, she doesn't seem very happy...

Thanks to Eric for allowing me to share these photos with you here.

Another big storm is headed our way tonight and tomorrow, Sunday. The Gualala River is already full from the previous river-of-rain event. It will be majestic to see when the storm leaves. Batten down the hatches!

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Red skies in the morning, sailors take warning. This type of sunrise lets one know a storm is on the way. Paul Brewer caught some magic recently from his place in Gualala.

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is his website: https://paulbrewer.smugmug.com/

We had a rip roarer of a storm yesterday, Wednesday Jan. 31. Here's a look at the downpour at Rick's and my place - click on the blue link below. Yikes! We received 3.60 inches yesterday.

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Bill Oxford was photographing Sea Lions off Biehler Point on The Sea Ranch this past week. There was a group of Sea Lions rafting together nearby. Several peeled off and decided to surf the big waves. The first photo show three Sea Lions. I can almost hear their glee!

Another of Bill's great photos of this event will be in tomorrow's Independent Coast Observer in my Mendonoma Sightings column.What? You don't get the paper? You can sign up at http://www.mendonoma.com

Were Sea Lions the first surfers? Could be! But there are other creatures who love to surf, including Bottlenose Dolphins and Western Gulls. And then there are the two-legged variety. Rozanne Rapozo photographed this surfer off the mouth of the Gualala River, not a place we usually see surfers!

Thanks to Bill and Rozanne for allowing me to share their photos with you here. You can see more of Bill's photography, which includes weddings, at his website: https://www.billoxford.com/

Today, 1/31/24 Wednesday, the Mendonoma Coast...and much of California...has been hit by a whopper of a storm. Rain totals vary greatly depending on location. As I type this, Rick's and my gauge is at 3.14 inches and it's still raining. I've had reports of over six inches on the Gualala Ridge. It's a gully washer!