Tag Archives: Gualala River

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North American River Otter females seem to only tolerate a male with mating on his mind for a very few minutes. Once the deed is done, he is expected to leave...PRONTO! Rozanne Rapozo recently photographed two River Otters mating in the Gualala River.

Immediately afterwards, the female is driving the male away.

Rozanne said the male had wounds on his face, possibly from this female or a previous female? The female then caught herself a small fish and proceeded to eat.

Interesting dynamic going on here! Thanks to Rozanne for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

We actually had a little rain late this morning. Nothing measurable but enough to wet the bricks in my courtyard! This afternoon is sunny, cool and breezy - sounds like spring on the Mendonoma Coast!

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Ron Bolander photographed this Canada Goose family last week. There is just one gosling but he/she is cute and photogenic.

The Mendonoma Coast isn't normally where Canada Geese breed, but occasionally we see them nest here. They have to contend with Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons and River Otters, to name a few predators. Tim Bray told me the adult geese are ferocious defenders of their chicks. The remaining chick, with his/her head tilted, seems to be looking at Ron, wondering just what the heck it was seeing!

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

It's sunny and breezy today, with some high clouds drifting by. It's quite lovely.

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It's a Mendonoma Coast tradition to watch the sunset. Dan Laux recently photographed this beautiful sight from behind Surf Supermarket in Gualala. That's the Gualala River in the foreground, bathed in pinks and purples.

Sometimes you can hardly believe your eyes when you see the magnificence of a coast sunset!

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

It's sunny, mild and windy today. The ocean is a sea of whitecaps this afternoon. There are probably Gray Whales swimming northward today but it's nearly impossible to make out their blows against the turbulent ocean. We are waiting for the first mother/calf Gray Whale sighting. It could be soon!

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Cathleen Crosby recently photographed the Gualala River -  it now sports a greenish tinge.

The river is still closed to the Pacific Ocean by the large sandbar and it has turned a beautiful green. I’ve learned from fly fisherman Charlie Ivor that this is called “Steelhead green,” and it means conditions for finding fish in the river can be excellent. Phytoplankton, single cell algae, along with a small amount of suspended mineral sediment, are turning the river water green. It’s very beneficial, helping to feed fish and other river inhabitants.

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

We are waiting for a pretty good-sized storm which is supposed to begin around 4 pm. We'll take it! I'll report soon on the rain totals. I'll also be watching to see if this storm opens the river to the ocean. TBD!

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I love these elegant birds. We often see Great Blue Herons near rivers and wetlands. Recently Mike Reinhart found this Great Blue Heron preening near the Gualala River.

Can you stand on one leg and preen your feathers? I thought not!

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

It's much cooler today. It's also windy with lots of clouds - it *feels* like we could get rain soon. Hope so! It's been well over a month since we got any meaningful rain.