We share the Mendonoma Coast with Gray Foxes. Their kits are among the cutest critters around. Jim Garlock recently photographed this sweet scene near his home in Gualala where the Mother Fox was grooming her kit.
To see a photo of newborn Gray Fox Kits, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/06/02/gray-fox-kits-are-being-born-now-on-the-beautiful-mendonoma-coast/
Thanks to Jim for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
Beautiful American White Pelicans migrate from inland lakes and waterways to overwinter on the Coast. You are more likely to see some by the Russian River, though Rick and I once saw a pair fly over us in the town of Mendocino. Jim Garlock recently photographed some early arriving birds.
These Pelicans fish differently than Brown Pelicans. They sit on the surface of the water and lower their head to scoop up fish. Brown Pelicans dramatically plunge dive. American White Pelicans are graceful fliers, using thermals to help them on their way. You know it's autumn when these big birds arrive on the Coast.
Thanks to Jim for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see another photo of these birds, seen at Bodega Bay, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/09/28/bodega-bay-always-picturesque/
An adult Gray Whale and her juvenile - a calf born earlier this year - have been seen for a week now. It is thought that these whales did not migrate to the Arctic Circle. This is an exciting development for the Grays. They are considered part of the new Pacific Aggregate Coastal Gray Whales.
Jim Garlock took the photo above. You can see a blow drifting above the Gray Whale. These whales are actually "rock picking," sucking up anthropods and other tasty treats from the rocks, rather than moving mud around as they do in the Arctic.
These two whales have been seen very close to shore, as Robert Scarola's photo will attest. It's very exciting to have them here during summer. Perhaps this will become a regular occurrence.
Thanks to Jim and Robert for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
Yes, Barn Owl babies have been seen in a nest recently. Jim Garlock photographed two adults, which you will see below.
Vita photographed the babies you see below a few weeks ago. They are in her barn and I understand they are VERY noisy. But the heart-shaped faces will steal your heart.
Thanks to Jim and Vita for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see a photo of a Great Horned Owl and a link to a site to hear Owl calls, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/09/19/owl-calls-and-a-very-startled-golden-retriever/ There's a funny story of how I scared my golden retriever, Huckleberry, when I played an Owl call.
Jim Garlock recently put in a birdbath and it has already attracted several species of birds. Jim photographed this Western Scrub Jay during and just after its bath. These photos brought a smile to my face and I hope they do to yours as well.
Thanks to Jim for allowing me to share his photos with you here.