Tag Archives: Gualala Point Island

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Nancy Padgett photographed this very low tide recently. It was pretty foggy that day! The low tide exposes a possible pathway to Gualala Point Island.

Very low tide and Gualalal Point Island by Nancy Padgett

It wouldn't be a good idea to walk over there. An incoming tide could trap you there. And the rocks and islands off our coast are protected as part of the California Coastal National Monument. This particular island is an important seabird nesting site. We wouldn't want the birds disturbed in any way.

To learn more about the Monument, here is a link to the Bureau of Land Management: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/prog/nlcs/California_Coastal_NM.html

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

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Richard Kuehn often looks at the birds and the sea mammals that occupy Gualala Point Island. He was surprised to see something new among the usual suspects - a juvenile Brown Booby. Craig Tooley came out and took these photos. Doesn't it look like the Cormorants are surprised to see it?

A juvenile Brown Booby takes flight by Craig Tooley Brandt's Cormorants eyeing a Brown Booby by Craig Tooley

These birds are normally found in the tropics, so what it is doing here is a mystery.
Thanks to Rich for the sighting and to Craig for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com

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Pigeon Guillemots lay their eggs in crevices or small cavities in rocky cliffs or islands. There are two known Pigeon Guillemot nests on Gualala Point Island. Craig Tooley recently photographed this pair.

Pigeon Guillemots by Craig Tooley

These two are in breeding plumage. Non-breeders have mostly white heads and white underparts. Notice their bright red/orange feet! They are only found in the northern Pacific Ocean.

Adults are busy feeding the young in their rocky nest. We hope to see them fledge in the days to come.

To hear their calls, here is the link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pigeon_Guillemot/sounds

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com

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Yesterday on a trip down the Coast, Rick and I were amazed at the size of the waves. We have had heavy surf for some days now. John Sperry photographed the waves at Gerstle Cove at Salt Point State Park.

And Rozann Grunig photographed waves off of The Sea Ranch. You can feel the power of the Pacific Ocean just by looking at her photo.

And the photo below shows a big wave hitting Gualala Point Island, which is just off the north end of The Sea Ranch.

Thanks to John and Rozann for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see much more of Rozann's nature photography, here is the link to her website: http://highway1designs.com/

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For the past four days the Pacific Ocean has been calm with no whitecaps. That has allowed many to see the vanguard of the southward migration of Gray Whales.

Yesterday this young Gray Whale, called a subadult, was seen just off Gualala Point Island. Richard Kuehn got this photo.

On Thursday, Dec. 11th Gray Whales, Dolphins, Sea Lions and Gulls were feasting on what we think was a school of anchovies. All this action took place off The Sea Ranch. On Wednesday a pod of Gray Whales was seen off the Point Arena Lighthouse. They are on the move, headed for Baja California where the pregnant females will give birth in the weeks and months to come.

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