Tag Archives: John Batchelder

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Several weeks ago John Batchelder wrote, “Here are some pictures of the Pacific Loon that landed on Wild Moor Reach, The Sea Ranch. This is one of the sometimes thousands of birds per hour that have been migrating past our area recently.:

After the original sighting and report to Diane Hichwa, the Loon disappeared, but was later observed farther down the street by Marge Entwisle. Marge kept the bird under observation until Roberta Chan arrived and skillfully cornered and captured the Loon in a garage for transport to Bird Rescue.

Truly a team effort lead by Marge and Roberta. Thanks.”

I add my thanks to all. I was astounded at the beauty of the Pacific Loon.

If you see a bird in trouble, call Bird Rescue at 707) 523-2473 [BIRD]. They will send a trained local volunteer, like Roberta,  to assess the bird and arrange necessary transport. We hope this bird is doing well and can be released soon.

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

Fog has returned over the ocean, sneaking on land in places. It cooled the temps by ten degrees - nice! Fog is the coast's air conditioning! The cool, moist are also aids in fighting the first inland.

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John Batchelder saw the first covey of California Quail last week Saturday. There are 14 chicks in all. Can you spot them all? Dad is the handsome fellow on the left, always watching out for his family. Mom is to the right.

Quail have a three-note call, which you can hear at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/California_Quail/sounds

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

Yesterday the fog disappeared. The fireworks off the Point Arena Pier were amazing last night. Today is once again fog-free. It's a spectacular day on the Mendonoma Coast!

 

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John and Janice Batchelder spotted whales off of The Sea Ranch. John wrote, “On Thursday afternoon Janice noticed all the humpback whales working their way north. They were lots of them, and that’s something we haven’t seen for a while. As I tried to capture a few pictures she pointed out that I was missing all the breaching whales, which for a while, were everywhere I wasn’t shooting. I did finally get a few shots and I have attached one for your use showing two humpback whales breaching simultaneously. It is evidence of all the activity we were able to enjoy.”

Two Humpbacks Breaching

What a great photo! Humpbacks were seen today north of Gualala.

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

Sunny, cool and calm today...the ocean is flat like a calm lake!

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I love the liquid sound of California Quail calls, and I've been hearing them at our place in Anchor Bay. John Batchelder photographed several chicks recently.

Bob Marton spotted what looks like two coveys of Quail chicks - 24 in all! That's a lotta chicks.

Thanks to John and Bob for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To hear the calls of these beautiful birds, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/California_Quail/sounds

Today, Friday, is sunny with a hint of coolness in the air - quite nice!

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A beautiful hummingbird was seen on October 2 and 3 at The Sea Ranch. John Batchelder’s daughter, Marianne, was the first to see it and identify it.

BBIH @TSR 100220

Diane Hichwa wrote, “There is a rare bird staying for a few days at Sea Ranch - a Broad-billed Hummingbird. It has been seen on two other occasions in Sonoma County.  It SHOULD be in Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico, but not here. But it is.”

Several other photographers got wonderful photos of the colorful hummer, including Craig Tooley.  Craig wrote, “It is spectacular. Also, it makes a very different sound than our local Hummers.” Here is a link to hear their calls, which are quite different! https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Broad-billed_Hummingbird/sounds

Karen Wilkinson also photographed the beautiful hummingbird.

Why this little bird was so far from its normal territory is a puzzle, but we know how to appreciate beauty when we see it. Welcome to the Mendonoma Coast, little hummer!

Thanks to John, Craig and Karen for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

We are having a oh-so-lovely autumn day today. Perhaps a little rain tomorrow, please rain gods and goddesses!