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Phil Lewenthal photographed the multitudes of Brown Pelicans off Galleon's Reach.

And Barbara Johannes photographed a group resting on an offshore rock

Paul Brewer gets the prize for the most Brown Pelicans in a photo with this snapshot from the mouth of the Gualala River.

Many of us love these prehistoric-looking birds. To see them glide by, using the wind currents, makes our heart sing.

Thanks to Phil, Barbara and Paul for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

It's sunny and breezy today - lots of whitecaps on the ocean this afternoon.

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Fringed Corn Lilies, Veratrum fimbriatum, are endemic to the Sonoma and Mendocino Coasts, actually the Mendonoma Coast! It is a California rare plant. Recently Bob Rutemoeller found several just beginning to bloom.

They are found in moist areas and are a treat to find. The leaves, so beautiful earlier in the year, are now often riddled with holes. Native plants feed native insects.

Thanks to Bob for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

The smoke from the northern fires left our area late Thursday afternoon. A small splattering of raindrops happened early this morning, leaving everything smelling fresh and beautiful. If this afternoon's gorgeous clouds stick around for the sunset, it could be amazing!

 

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A Mendonoma sunset is something to be savored. This is what John Wall saw from his Sea Ranch home last week. Isn't beautiful?

I asked John if those were Brown Pelicans resting on the island and he said yes! Brown Pelicans are now headed southward. They are being seen here in very large numbers.

Bonus photo from John! Dash, the dog, points out a vole or gopher. What a dog!

Thanks to John for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

Smoke from fires far to our north drifted in overnight...ugh. And it's quite warm, over 80 degrees at Rick's and my place in Anchor Bay. Cooler weather is predicted and even a chance of sprinkles on Friday. So, hopefully the smoke will be fleeting.

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Amaryllis belladonna, fondly called Naked Ladies, are native to South Africa. But this ornamental seems to love the Mendonoma Coast, and begins blooming this time of year. One person told me they are a reminder that Autumn is coming.

Christine Haas found some blooming at The Sea Ranch. She wrote, "These Naked Ladies in the field across the street at the intersection of Leeward and Backpack were just stunning. A clump alone in the middle of the field, almost all of them gazing west towards the sunset. The color is exquisite - much more vivid than in lower Sonoma County. It’s got to be that fresh, clean air! And maybe the magnificent views! I mean, who wouldn’t want to be one of these Naked Ladies?”

These bulbs sprout leaves in the spring but they have long died back. So the tall stem with multiple pink flowers is "naked" of leaves. And they are fragrant. I love 'em!

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

No fog today - yes, even Point Arena had sun this morning as attested by my sister, Linda Bostwick! It's sunny and very breezy, temps in the mid 70s.

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This is the beautiful sight Gary Levenson-Palmer saw in Irish Beach - a dramatic sunset. It looks rather like a painting!

Thanks to Gary for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

Sunny and warmer today, and the breezes picked up this afternoon. Many Humpback Whales are being seen off our coast. Here's a report from Friday by Scott and Tree Mercer of the Mendonoma Whale and Seal Study:

Friday August 25,2023. Point Arena Peninsula and Saunders Reef.
Foggy, overcast morning but with 4 plus miles of visibility.
NW 8,
Bright sun by noon.
23 humpbacks stretched from the California Coastal Monument to NNW of the Lighthouse.
Lots of breaching, some chin slams, flipper slaps.
None seen at Saunders Reef.
Also
1 Northern harrier
Unknown oyster catchers
hundreds of pelicans both southbound in groups up to 30. Many other pelicans circling and diving for food over the humpbacks.
2 osprey.