Tag Archives: Mendocino coast

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Fringed Corn Lilies, Veratrum fimbriatum, are rare, growing in shaded, moist areas on the Sonoma and Mendocino Coasts. The plant's leaves are quite beautiful when they emerge in the spring. Fringed Corn Lilies are beginning to bloom as we head for the first day of autumn. The leaves now show wear and tear, but the beautiful blossom rises above it all.

I have two pictures of the blossom to share with you. First John Sperry's photo, showing the fresh blossom and the riddled leaves.

And next is Nan Brichetto's close-up photo of the blossom.

And if you'd like to see the leaves as they looked this spring, you can click on this link to an April posting here on Mendonoma Sightings! http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/04/08/fringed-corn-lily-leaves-a-rare-mendonoma-plant/

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The fog hugged the immediate coast late yesterday but when we came home just before sunset, we were above the fog. The way the fog swirled up the canyons made it look like we were living in a dream. Here are two photos of last night's sunset.

Today the fog has gone and sunshine abounds. We might be talking about a green flash tonight!

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Siegfried Matull captured a photo of two Harbor Seals that surfaced under a mat of kelp. The photo looks as if they had been crowned by the kelp. Many thanks to Siegfried for allowing me to share his photo.

And here is a description of what it's like to dive in kelp, from diver Jack Likins:

"When I dive under the kelp it is like being under a very thick redwood forest canopy. The sunlight filters through the matted kelp on the surface and down the stalks with schools of small fish glistening as they swim through the sunbeams.”

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Bull Kelp, Nereocystis leutkeana, grows as forests in the Pacific Ocean off the Mendocino and Sonoma Coast. Right now the waters close to shore are showing healthy forests. Bull Kelp is an annual and its growth rate is phenomenal. Winter storms will rip the holdfasts from the ocean floor and waves will fling many onto beaches. Once Rick and I went to Bowling Ball Beach after a big storm. There in the mounds of kelp were many beautiful abalone shells - a gift from Mother Nature!

Kelp needs nutrient rich waters to grow. The upwelling that occurs here is necessary for the Kelp's growth. Many creatures depend on this plant. Small fish hide in the kelp from bigger ones. Seabirds have been seen to rest on the surface mats. It's believed CA Sea Lions and Harbor Seals feed on it. And it's known that Sea Urchins feed on it.

Tomorrow I will show you a cute photo of Harbor Seals draped in kelp and you will read about what is it like to dive amongst kelp.

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Will Ericson photographed a Western Skink on the Mendocino Coast. This lizard isn't singing the blues, it's wearing blue scales. Just look at the lovely blue on its lower half!

This lizard is active during the day, eating bugs and basking in the sun. The Latin name for this critter was changed in 2008 - it's now known as Plestiodon skiltonianus. Thanks to Will for allowing me to show you this striking Western Skink.