Tag Archives: migrating

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The migration of birds is a wonder when you stop to think about it. They fly great distances twice a year. Aleutian Cackling Geese are flying to southern Oregon where they will feed, rest and get ready for the next migratory stage, flying to the Aleutian Islands. Sara Bogard recently photographed a flock passing by the Point Arena Lighthouse Peninsula.

In the early 1970’s, these birds numbered only 350 and were on the endangered species list. The story of their comeback is an inspiration. Today there are over 170,000 Aleutian Cackling Geese to delight birdwatchers of all ages.

To listen to their "cackling" call, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cackling_Goose/sounds

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

It's sunny with many passing clouds, breezy and cool. 61.35 inches of rain so far at Rick's and my place! We always considered 50 inches a normal rain year.

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This is the time of year we have daily sightings of Monarch Butterflies. These are the members of the Methuselah generation, the longer-lived butterflies that will migrate south. They are feeding and gathering strength for their migration. I saw this one feeding on my abelia bush and then resting on a nearby leaf.

Catherine Miller photographed this Monarch feeding on her lantana.

Today is the autumnal equinox. What better way to celebrate the changing of the seasons with photos of Monarch Butterflies.

Thanks to Catherine for allowing me to share her photo with you here. Happy autumn, everyone!

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Beautiful Monarch Butterflies have been seen, feeding on various flowering plants. Paul Brewer photographed one feeding on escolonia.

Monarch feeding on escalonia by Paul Brewer Monarch on escalonia by Paul Brewer

These Monarchs are part of the Methuselah generation that will live for seven months or so, migrating down to Baja California.

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

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Annie Mills was enjoying Cook's Beach, which is just north of the town of Gualala. She found two Whimbrels enjoying the beach too.

Migrating Whimbrels breed far to our north and they travel several thousand miles, twice each year. They can occasionally be seen feeding and resting on local beaches. Whimbrels use their long beaks to probe in the sand for tasty treats - crabs being one of their favorite food source.

To hear the call of a Whimbrel, here's a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Whimbrel/sounds

To see more about Cook's Beach and learn how to find it, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2012/02/12/cooks-beach-a-beautiful-pocket-beach-just-north-of-gualala/

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