Tag Archives: Gualala

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Shawn Doebling had a Bobcat sighting recently. Shawn wrote, “We live off  Fish Rock Road in Gualala. This is the first time we’ve seen one here. Do you know how to tell if it’s male or female?” Looking at Shawn’s photos we believe the Bobcat is a male.

Male Bobcats are substantially bigger than females.  Adult males weigh between 20 and 30 pounds and are about three feet in length. Females can be about two feet in length and weigh only 11 pounds. You only see males and females together during courtship and mating. Then the male takes off, leaving the female to care for her young. So, if you see a Bobcat bringing food back to a den, you can be sure it’s the female.

Thanks to Shawn for allowing me to share this Bobcat photo with you here.

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Eric Zetterholm recently photographed the mated pair of Bald Eagles mating. Yes! X-rated Sightings for you today.

The eagles were in the dead tree that can be seen from the north end of the Gualala Bluff Trail, or from behind Trinks Restaurant. The mating is quick! Eric later spotted them in the sandbar of Gualala River, facing the Pacific Ocean. Do you see a heart between the two Bald Eagles' beaks and throats? Sweet!

Thanks once more to Eric Zetterholm for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

Another lovely day here on the Mendonoma coast. Birdsong fills the air. With spring right around the corner, and wildflowers beginning to appear, it's a great time to be on the coast.

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Adrian Bennett was the first to report it. She wrote, “The weather was clear to horizon with big puffy clouds. When the sun rose and hit them, they all turned into pink cotton candy fluffs. As the ocean waves hit the small bank of rocks between Monument Island and the shore, instead of mist, we saw steam! Yes, steam! First time I have seen that since I have been here 20 years.”

Scott Mercer took a photo of this phenomenon from the Physical Gym in Gualala. Scott said it was 33 degrees on their deck.

It’s called Sea Smoke or Steam Fog. It occurs when very cold air moves over warmer water.Thanks to Scott for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

We certainly have had some cold weather here. This morning it was 39 degrees on our deck in Anchor Bay. After a lot of rain, we are having a break today. This coming week looks to be mostly dry and exquisitely beautiful.

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On Thursday late morning I looked up at something white in a very tall tree on the east side of Highway One in downtown Gualala. And I had my long lens camera with me, though my photos could be clearer. Until I focused my camera I didn't realize there were two Bald Eagles - they were standing so close together.

They seemed very interested with the comings and goings of the humans far below. I entitled the first photo, "Watching over Gualala." The female is bigger than the male, so I think she is perched behind the male. What a treat to see them!

It's warm (low 60's) with thin high clouds today. Mushrooms are appearing. On a forage this morning I found two matsutakes (one over the hill), two clumps of sweet tooth hedgehogs, the first bellybutton hedgehog and a handful of candy caps. Gifts from the forest.

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Richard Hansen photographed Castle Rock, which is found on the north end of Gualala. A submerged rock in front of it causes some major white water!

Here is one of my favorite photos taken by Richard a few years ago. The wave looks like a monster. Is the monster going to hug Castle Rock? Or???

This first full day of winter is cold and cloudy here on the Mendonoma Coast. We have some rain coming in.

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