Tag Archives: Mendonoma coast

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Lately the Mendonoma Coast has had so much wind that we wouldn't be able to see a whale even if it were just offshore. The Pacific Ocean is filled with whitecaps. But several weeks ago Kathy Bishop spotted a mother Gray Whale with her calf quite close in. As she was photographing them, the calf breached.

Kathy said she knew it was the young calf because the mother was covered with barnacles. What a great photo! Thanks to Kathy for allowing me to share it with you here.

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Low tide is the time to head for the tide pools of the Mendonoma Coast. Peggy Berryhill recently did just that. And look at the beauty she found. In the photo below is an Ochre Sea Star, one of the more commonly seen. It looks like it is wearing fine silver jewelry. Also in this photo are Mussels and Goose Barnacles.

 And here you will see Sea Anemones. They eat small fish and shrimp.

Next low tide might entice you to discover your own wonderful sightings.

Thanks to Peggy for allowing me to share her photos with you here. Listen to Peggy on KGUA radio, 88.3 FM. Here's the link to find out more: http://www.kgua.org/

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Great Blue Herons are year-round residents of the Mendonoma Coast. They are particularly graceful when they liftoff for flight. Paul Brewer caught magic the other day. Paul's photo looks like a painting.

 And below a Great Blue Heron has caught an eel. I love the way the bird is reflected in the water.

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

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Pacific Wrens used to be called Winter Wrens but their name was changed by the powers that be a while back. They are year round residents of the Mendonoma Coast. Richard Kuehn had one pose for him recently.

This bird resides in forests and eats insects. We have several that live on our property. In the spring, the male's call is magnificent to hear. It seems to go on - well - nearly forever.

To hear a male singing in the spring, here's the link to the Macaulay Library: http://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/50129/troglodytes-pacificus-pacific-wren-united-states-oregon-geoffrey-keller  But the one Rick and I heard singing last week outdid the one on this recording!

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

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So tiny yet so exquisite, Calypso Orchids are blooming in undisturbed forests on the Mendonoma Coast. Jinx McCombs is lucky to have a patch of them on her property near Point Arena. She took this close-up so you can see its lovely blossom.

This wildflower needs a fungus in the soil to thrive so you should never try to transplant one. If you are fortunate enough to come across one, just appreciate it its natural habitat.

Thanks to Jinx for allowing me to share her photo with  you here.