Tag Archives: Mendonoma coast

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Last night's sunset was lovely with layers of pastel colors. The sun was setting into a fog bank and it's rather unusual to see such color with fog.

A bit of loveliness from me to you today from the Mendonoma Coast!

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It was nice to hear the rain overnight. It was enough to freshen our creeks and rivers. Today storm clouds fill the sky, bringing brief downpours. Rozann Grunig photographed a similar day and has kindly allowed me to share it with you here.

One more storm for tomorrow and then the weekend looks dry. If you are thinking of visiting the Mendonoma Coast, this weekend could be ideal. Gray Whales were seen headed north before the storm closed the viewing window. The earliest wildflowers are blooming. I saw the first Bracken Ferns. They appeared as if by magic this morning. You can feel the thrum of life!

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One of my favorite birds on the Mendonoma Coast is the Acorn Woodpecker. We have a pair that is in residence year 'round but others will be migrating into our area soon. A friend described them as "secret agents" because they bob their heads this way and that, while hanging on our feeder. Jim Garlock recently captured a nice photo of an Acorn Woodpecker in flight, headed straight for Jim's feeder!

To see another photo of these brightly colored birds, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/08/14/two-acorn-woodpeckers-at-my-feeder-one-seems-to-be-saying-are-you-done-yet/

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Before recent storms roiled the Pacific Ocean, conditions were calm and people were able to observe California Sea Lions rafting up and down the Mendonoma Coast. Sea Lions join together in a raft for protection as they sleep. Alan Reinke photographed a large raft recently.

They extend a flipper out of the water to warm it. The warmth is then sent to their internal organs, helping to regulate their body temperature. In hot weather they will do this to cool themselves down.

Thanks to Alan for allowing me to share his photo with you here! If you'd like to see a close-up photo of a Sea Lion with her pup, here is the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/06/05/california-sea-lions-photographed-on-the-rocks-off-the-mendonoma-coast/

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Always a welcome sight, Rick and I spotted the first California Poppy, Eschscholzia californica, blooming along the beautiful Gualala Bluff Trail. It is, of course, the official California state flower. Its petals close at night or in cold and cloudy weather.

And, yes, it has medicinal qualities, which Native Americans understood. It is said to reduce anxiety, stop muscle spasm and relieve pain.

As for me, I just enjoy their sunny faces when I encounter them on the Mendonoma Coast.