Allen Vinson was photographing the sunset from a trail on The Sea Ranch. No green flash, as there were clouds on the horizon. But still, a lovely sunset on the Mendonoma Coast.
I sometimes wonder if sunsets are like snowflakes - no two are alike.
Thanks to Allen for allowing me to share his photos with you here.
The Ospreys that raised two young in the nest in front of us have gone, along with their two fledglings. I haven't seen or heard an Osprey for a week or so. It appears they have migrated south. It is possible that an Osprey or two will remain during the winter. One stayed over winter near The Sea Ranch several years ago. But the great majority migrate to warmer climes in Central and South America.
Robert Scarola captured a photo of an Osprey with a fish several weeks ago. It's going to have to hold us until the Ospreys return to grace us with their presence next spring.
Thanks to Robert for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
Of course we took our golden retriever, Huckleberry, along. He LOVES the Gualala River.
And taking a gravel bath afterwards. Life is very good indeed when you are a golden.
Walking back Rick saw this little Chorus Frog jump. Its new name is Sierran Tree Frog.
Entering the forest we were surprised to see fresh Oyster Mushrooms growing on downed tree. A Banana Slug is enjoying a nice meal, provided courtesy of Mother Nature. The fog has been so heavy and dense, there was enough moisture for this edible mushroom to fruit.
Autumn on the Mendonoma Coast - it's magic!
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.
The Mendonoma Coast has been enveloped in fog the past two days. It quiets down the sound of the barking Sea Lions on Fish Rocks. Karen Tracy photographed the early morning fog drifting up below her home in Anchor Bay.
Thanks to Karen for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
To see a photo of another beautiful sunrise, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/12/24/beautiful-sunrise-photographed-by-coastal-photographer-craig-tooley/