Tag Archives: Gualala

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Terry Pfardresher was hiking in a Redwood forest in Gualala when she heard a hissing sound. There on the edge of a Redwood stump was a Turkey Vulture chick. Terry took nature photographer, Craig Tooley, to the site and he got this photo.

Fledgling Turkey Vulture by Craig Tooley

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has this to say about their nests: "Turkey Vultures nest in rock crevices, caves, ledges, thickets, mammal burrows and hollow logs, fallen trees, abandoned hawk or heron nests, and abandoned buildings. These nest sites are typically much cooler (by 13°F or more) than surroundings, and isolated from human traffic or disturbance. While they often feed near humans, Turkey Vultures prefer to nest far away from civilization."

Here is the photo Terry took several days earlier. The young bird hopped down into the hollowed out Redwood stump just after she took this photo, so we're sure that's where the nest is.

Fledgling Turkey Vulture by Terry Bold

This is a rare sighting and I thank Terry for sharing it with us. Thanks also 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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A visit from Monarch Butterflies is always a treat. Tom Eckles had two chasing each other around his garden in Gualala.

Monarch Butterfly by Tom Eckles

Here is a photo Tom took last year of a Monarch on a Dahlia blossom.

Monarch Butterfly feeding on a dahlia by Tom Eckles

The fall migration of Monarchs doesn't begin until next month. But we always welcome a visit from these exquisite creatures. Journey North tracks the migration of Monarch Butterflies, along with Gray Whales and various other migratory events. Their website is: https://www.learner.org/jnorth/

Thanks to Tom for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Tom's photography, here is his website: www.tomeckles.com

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Little Prince's Pine, Chimaphila menziesii, is blooming now on the Mendonoma Coast. They are fairly rare so it's a treat to see one. Ken Browning recently photographed one he found on The Sea Ranch.

One is also blooming on the Gualala Ridge. There are a few on our neighbor's property but they haven't put out a bloom yet. This native wildflower is also called Pipsissewa. It is only about two inches high and the leaves are saw-toothed.

Wildflowers like these are Mother Nature's way of seeing if you are paying attention!

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

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Cathleen Crosby has a family of Gray Foxes near her home in Gualala. What fun she will have in the days to come, watching three Fox Kits growing up. They are very playful with each other and the Fox parents are quite devoted to their welfare.

Two Fox Kits by Cathleen Crosby A Fox Kit by Cathleen Crosby

It will be wonderful to see more photos of these cute kits in the days to come. Here is a favorite photo of a Gray Fox mother, perhaps exhausted from nursing. She's relaxing in a birdbath. This photo was taken by Lynda Opperman.

A relaxed Gray Fox mom in birdbath by Lynda Opperman

Thanks to Cathleen and Lynda for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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I will never become blasé about our beautiful sunsets - they are to be savored. Seeing the sun "set" into the Pacific Ocean is a privilege. Jerry Anon took this photo recently, capturing a moment of loveliness off Anchor Bay Beach.

Paul Brewer also photographs sunsets, often from his home in Gualala. Here is a recent photo from Paul showing waves hitting Castle Rock and the bluffs with a beautiful sunset to set it all off.

Thanks to Jerry and Paul for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/