Drew Fagan saw this cloud - an animal howling at the moon!
Drew thinks it looks like a dog. I think it looks like a bear. What do you think?
Thanks to Drew for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
There are a lot of clouds today, with some strong winds. No sign of rain though.
I originally presented these photos, more than 140 of them, in late October of last year. It was thrilling to show them on the huge screen at the Gualala Arts Center. So many people told me they couldn't make the October event that I was asked to do a repeat performance. Something new this time: there will be a segment of drone photography showing the beauty of the coastline from a bird's eye perspective.
The Four-eyed Frog will also be there with an array of books on nature and photography.
To learn more, here is the link to the Gualala Arts Center: https://gualalaarts.org/2025/01/mendonoma-sightings-redux/
Hope you can come and by doing so you will be supporting local journalism. We're trying so very hard to save our beloved newspaper, the Independent Coast Observer Community News!
Drew Fagan noticed this group of mushrooms on a stump at his Gualala area home. He put together this collage of what we think are Laughing Gym, Gymnopilus junonius, non-edible mushrooms.
You will see Drew labeled them as they aged. It's interesting that no animals ate these mushrooms. Perhaps they are toxic to animals too. It's also fun to note the grasses growing in Drew's collage. We've had a LOT of rain and the grasses are abundant and lush.
Thanks to Drew for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
The rains have moved out for a few days, though it's still quite cold. It's nice to see sunshine today!
Adrian Bennett recently photographed this beautiful Anise Swallowtail Butterfly feeding in her garden at The Sea Ranch.
Here is a close up of this butterfly taken by Drew Fagan.
And several years ago Laura Baker photographed the caterpillar of an Anise.
It's always lovely to see a butterfly, don't you agree?
Thanks to Adrian, Drew and Laura for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
We are having a spectacular day on the Mendonoma coast. Nothing but blue skies and a gently breeze. Tonight might bring a green flash at sunset as the horizon is clear.
It is calm and sunny here today, and butterflies are being seen, always a joy. Tamarrah LeFeber recently photographed a Pale Swallowtail feeding on blackberry blossoms.
Pine White Butterflies have also appeared. They circle around the Bishop Pine trees at our place. Here's a photo Drew Fagan took of one feeding on lavender.
The website davesgarden has some interesting information on butterfly legends. "Native American's had many beliefs about butterflies and one of the most prevalent across a number of nations was the one that butterflies make wishes come true. It was said that if you whisper your wish to a butterfly and then release it, it will take your wish to the Great Spirit, who will then grant the wish. Since butterflies are silent, only the Great Spirit (who hears and sees everything) can hear each wish." To read more, here is the link to the website: https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/4949
Thanks to Tamarrah and Drew for allowing me to share their photos with you here.