Tag Archives: Gualala River

•

Peter Baye found unique-looking Steelhead in the Gualala. He wrote, “On my list for show and tell is the return of those rare pale juvenile Steelhead that look almost silver-gold ["sub-leucistic"?] on the Wheatfield Fork. I haven't seen any in years. They stand out in dark pools where their typical dark olive-backed peers, other Steelhead parr and Gualala Roach, are well-camouflaged against the dark algae-covered cobbles and gravel."

"In past years, I have seen sub-adults with this pigmentation. More often, if I find atypical adult pigmentation, it's almost blue-black. I think the folk name is actually "blueback" steelhead. The Kingfisher predation seems to be very low this year, so I guess it's not a big hazard to glow in the dark like this! It's from a deep, dark pool with cooler water stratified -layered- at the bottom.”

Here's a photo showing young Steelhead and Gualala Roach.

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

It's sunny, breezy and warm here today!

•

Ron Bolander was at the Gualala River when he saw an Osprey carrying its catch of a fish. Then a Bald Eagle swooped in.

Despite the eagle's efforts, the Osprey kept its dinner. Go fish for yourself, Bald Eagle!

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

There is a high fog today, with mild temps.

•

Peter Baye was exploring the Wheatfield Fork of the Gualala River when he came across a what he called "a massive aggregation of Western Toad tadpoles!"

That's a lot of tadpoles! Nice to see. Here is a photo of a newly hatched Western Toad at the Gualala River, taken a few years ago by Peggy Berryhill.

Amy Ruegg photographed a juvenile.

And here is one of my favorite all-time Sightings photos, taken by Holly McCarroll, of an adult Western Toad looking in the window at Starcross in Annapolis. Just what was this frog thinking? Too funny!

Thanks to Peter, Peggy, Amy and Holly for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

It's been quite foggy today, with some sun breaks this afternoon.

•

Pacific Rhododendrons, also called California Rhododendrons, Rhododendron macrophyllum, often begin blooming in May. Their delicate blooms extend into the first part of June, and you can see them now, along with the native Azaleas. Laura Baker was at Mill Bend overlooking the Gualala River when she spotted this beautiful sight.

Mill Bend is the latest acquisition by our fabulous land conservancy, the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy. You can read more about Mill Bend and RCLC's other public access spots at this link: https://www.rclc.org/

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

It's warm here today with very little wind. Clouds are beginning to appear as changes seem to be afoot in the weather department. Rain is predicted for the weekend, and wouldn't that be a blessing!

•

Ron Bolander wrote, "There was a Bald Eagle bathing on the north end of the gravel bar of the Gualala River. When it took off I got some photos and noticed the odd markings. The tail and the head are not completely white."

We think this eagle might be four years old. Five years is when a Bald Eagle is fully mature. Beautiful to see!

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

The fierce wind died down to gentle breezes and the temps came up. It's a beautiful day here on the Mendonoma Coast!