Tag Archives: Gualala River

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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!

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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!

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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!