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Perry Hoffman was photographing out at the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands when this Bobcat appeared.

You can see the tufted tail that gives the Bobcat its name. And there is a black tip on the short tail. There looks to be gopher holes in the meadows there. Bobcats are excellent gopher hunters!

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

The rains have left and today was simply stunning. Cool but beautiful. This weekend is forecast to be sunny and warmer! I lost power during last Sunday's storm and just got it back on last night, Thursday night. Other coast residents are still waiting for needed repairs to the electrical system. This weather should certainly help.

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Amy Ruegg calls them her little friends and she goes to visit with them during low tide events. Along with those I shared yesterday, she found these beauties. First, here's a Six-rayed Star.

Next is the magnificent Giant Green Anemone.

And the less common beautiful Sunburst Anemone.

I've got several more to share, on another day! Thanks to Amy for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

There are still many power outages here on the coast, including Rick's and my place. Today was sunny and chilly. This afternoon dark clouds arrived, spilling a few sprinkles on me as I took an afternoon walk.

 

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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!