Tag Archives: Gary Hopkins

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Gary Hopkins found this butterfly recently - a Gulf Fritillary.

In over 15 years of writing my Mendonoma Sightings column, I've only had one other sighting of this beauty, and that was by Kate Gelles in 2009.

I've learned this butterfly, also called a passion butterfly, is expanding their range. So, hopefully, sightings of them will become a little more common. Time will tell.

Thanks to Gary and Kate for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

Another stunning, sunny day with no rain in sight.

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There are many good reasons not to leave a rope, or any kind of line, dangling in a tree or bush. Birds can get entangled. Several weeks ago Gary Hopkins photographed a beautiful Great-horned Owl hanging by a wing in a tree, ensnarled in a rope.

Diane Hichwa tells the story. “Gary Hopkins had family visiting. They saw the owl fly past Friday night. Saturday afternoon as they drove on Moonraker Road on The Sea Ranch they saw a Great-horned Owl caught by a rope in a tree! They got a ladder, gloves, blanket and headed down the steep hill. It took a while to get the rope and the bird down. Then it took a long while to unwrap the multiple wraps of rope around the owl’s wrists.”

Diane [center], Gary Hopkins [front] and Rick Hansen [rear] helped with the rescue. This photo was taken by Bryant Hichwa

The owl was transported to Bird Rescue in Santa Rosa, where she was described as “feisty.” The theory about the rope is that ropes were being used to pull power lines just below the tree. One obviously was left behind. The area was thoroughly checked to make sure no rope was left behind to endanger wildlife. Thanks to everyone who helped this owl!

Thanks to Gary and Bryant for allowing  me to share their photos with you here.

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Gary Hopkins photographed this Black Oystercatcher on her nest off The Sea Ranch.

These shorebirds nest on rocky areas just above the high tide mark. This keeps them close to their favorite food in the ocean, mussels and limpets.

They have a whistling call, once described to me as "chattery," which makes me smile. You can hear it here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black_Oystercatcher/sounds

They have pink legs, red-orange beaks and red circles around their eyes. Craig Tooley photographed this Black Oystercatcher "dancing," or perhaps just landing. Craig's photos shows off those pink legs!

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Thanks to Gary and Craig for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see more of Craig's wildlife photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com

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Michael Reinhart was watching an Osprey eating a fish when he was startled to see this River Otter climbing up the bluff.

A River Otter climbing a bluff by Michael Reinhart

River Otters are fascinating creatures. A family of otters lives in the lagoon of the Gualala River. Below is a photo by Gary Hopkins of a River Otter and a Western Gull facing off. That gull should have been worried, as River Otters will take a gull for their dinner.Gull and River Otter exchanging glances by Gary HopkinsThanks to Michael and Gary for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

 

 

 

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River Otters need unpolluted waters to thrive so you shouldn't be surprised that they are doing well here on the Mendonoma Coast. They can be seen near local rivers and creeks. Jean Brown spotted one recently.

River Otter by Jean Brown

Here's a fun photo by Gary Hopkins of a Gull and a River Otter exchanging glances.

Gull and River Otter exchanging glances by Gary Hopkins (Medium)

The River Otter is probably warning the Gull not to try and steal its food. My bet is on the Otter!

Thanks to Jean and Gary for allowing me to share their photos with you here.