Peter Baye couldn't believe his eyes when he spotted an 8-inch nearly white Steelhead swimming with a group of normal-colored Steelhead. In all his years of exploring the far reaches of the Gualala River, he's never seen anything like this. Mother Nature must be playing tricks!
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Harbor Seal moms haul out on secluded beaches to give birth at this time of year. One place where they come year after year is Tide Pool at The Sea Ranch. Professional photographer Craig Tooley took these two pictures this week and has given me permission to share them with you. You can see more of Craig's work at http://web.me.com/theruffians1/RufImage. Harbor Seals are among the most photogenic of Mother Nature's creatures!
Yesterday Carolyn André photographed these Sea Stacks near Elk off the Mendocino Coast. Sea Stacks used to be a part of the cliffs or headlands. Waves and wind erode the softer parts of the rock leaving the harder, more resistant rock behind. You can say they are created by Mother Nature - and she does such beautiful work! I thank Carolyn for this lovely photo and I post it here in honor of her friend, Daphne.
One of my favorite wildflowers has begun blooming in the forest. For years I didn't know this plant had blossoms. When I discovered the creamy blossoms hanging down from the leaves, it felt like I had found a prize in a contest Mother Nature was playing. Fairy Bells often grow near False Solomon Seals and now I am enjoying both of these lovely wildflowers in bloom.
Most of the Trilliums are done blooming but one large one is bucking the trend. It's pink/purple bloom is a balm for the senses. The rarer Red Clintonia continues to evolve. I thought you'd enjoy seeing its progress. Our native wildflowers are true gifts from Mother Nature.
