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I get to look all the entries to Gualala Arts' Art in the Redwoods and endeavor to pick the Best Mendonoma Sighting. It's HARD because there are so many options. But Paul Brewer's photo of a Great Egret stood out. He titled his photo "Egret Hideaway." I love the lichen hanging from the tree branches, and the beautiful Great Egret.

This bird is in breeding plumage - the neon green patch on the skin and the long plumes growing from the back tell the story.

Paul sent a bonus photo, entitled "Egret Sanctuary."

The framed photograph now showing at the Gualala Arts Center is quite large. There is a smaller version displayed at The Dolphin Gallery and Store, GAC's store in Gualala. Here is a link to The Dolphin: https://gualalaarts.org/dolphin-gallery/

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photos with you here. And congratulations to Paul on winning the Best Mendonoma Sightings Award 2024!

Sunny and breezy, and warm away from the ocean!

 

 

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Craig Tooley saw three juvenile Acorn Woodpeckers, all demanding to be fed. He photographed one of the young woodpeckers, and then got all three lined up in a vertical row.

I've seen these young woodpeckers chase their parents around, flying from tree to tree. It must be nice for the adults when they learn to feed themselves!

Acorn woodpeckers have such a distinctive call. You can hear it at this link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Acorn_Woodpecker/sounds

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

This morning was clear and calm, but the wind picked up in the afternoon. Temps are nice and mild.

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Shouqin Huo was welcomed to the coast by visits from a Bobcat. Shouqin wrote, “We recently became part-time residents of Irish Beach. During our last stay, we noticed almost daily a Bobcat hunting for gophers in the grass area between our neighbors’ houses. I would like to share a couple of photos.”

I was amazed at the Bobcat’s beautiful eyes, a light green or hazel. I learned Bobcat kits under four weeks old have bright blue eyes, which then change to green or hazel.

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

Rain yesterday (0.15 inches), brilliant sunshine today, Sunday. Lots of folks at Art in the Redwoods at the Gualala Arts Center today. If you didn't make it this weekend, stop by to see the fabulous art displayed throughout the Arts Center. And check out the Best Mendonoma Sightings winner, a beautiful photo of a Great Egret by Paul Brewer!

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Here's what Connie King had to say about her sighting:

"Another special moment in the season of fawns … twins taking a respite in our meadow, giving us front-row seats to their cuteness!"

So sweet to see! Thanks to Connie for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

Sunny and quite breezy today, temps in the mid 70's at Rick's and my place.

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The Osprey chicks I watch in Anchor Bay have recently fledged, but here is a look at an active nest in Gualala. Terry Pfardresher photographed the chick in the nest with a parent perched on the edge of the nest. It's most likely the mother Osprey waiting for her mate to bring back a tasty fish.

When the male Osprey brings a fish, the mother will tear off pieces of the fish to feed to her offspring. She will also take some for herself.

Ospreys usually leave the Mendonoma Coast around the first days of autumn, migrating southward. Once in a while, one or perhaps two will stay and overwinter here.

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

Fog in places today, but sunny and quite breezy just a little ways away from the ocean.