Tag Archives: Annie Mills

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With our delicious early rains, the Gualala River opened on October 26th this year. Yes, the big sandbar that had closed the river off to the Pacific Ocean was finally breached. Eric and Annie Mills watched as it opened. But this year, for a while, it opened in two places, a very unusual occurrence.

First, let me show you what the river looked like just before it opened, as photographed by Bob Rutemoeller. It was full and flooding into its floodplain.

before-the-gualala-river-opened-by-bob-rutemoellerEric noticed the river breach the sandbar at the north end, just a tiny rivulet.

gualala-river-beginning-to-open-by-eric-millsAnd then it opened a little to the south, a much bigger opening.

gualala-river-breaks-through-a-little-south-of-the-north-end-by-eric-millsWithin a few minutes the pent up river was pouring out to the ocean. Steelhead that had been trapped in luxury in the river were sent into their briny destiny. Snags and branches shot out the opening. It was quite a spectacle.

gualala-river-opening-to-the-pacific-ocean-by-eric-millsThis year the river opened on a sunny day, another unusual occurrence! It's usually raining when it opens.

Here's the after photo, taken by Bob Rutemoeller.

after-the-gualala-river-opened-by-bob-rutemoellerWe've had more rain, so the river isn't this low now.

Thanks to Eric and Bob for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Annie Mills couldn't believe her eyes when she and her friend came across this juvenile Elephant Seal.

They quickly leashed their dogs and left the little one in peace. They were worried it might be ill but it was gone the next day so apparently it was just resting up on the beach. It looks mighty comfortable, doesn't it?

It's good to remember that you should never "rescue" a pup. Call the Marine Mammal Center at 415)289-SEAL (-7325). They will call a local volunteer to come out and assess the situation.

News flash! The first Harbor Seal pup was born this week in a protected cove on The Sea Ranch. There are many pregnant moms waiting to give birth in the days to come.

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

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Annie Mills was enjoying Cook's Beach, which is just north of the town of Gualala. She found two Whimbrels enjoying the beach too.

Migrating Whimbrels breed far to our north and they travel several thousand miles, twice each year. They can occasionally be seen feeding and resting on local beaches. Whimbrels use their long beaks to probe in the sand for tasty treats - crabs being one of their favorite food source.

To hear the call of a Whimbrel, here's a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Whimbrel/sounds

To see more about Cook's Beach and learn how to find it, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2012/02/12/cooks-beach-a-beautiful-pocket-beach-just-north-of-gualala/

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