Ron Bolander was at the Gualala River when he saw an Osprey carrying its catch of a fish. Then a Bald Eagle swooped in.
Despite the eagle's efforts, the Osprey kept its dinner. Go fish for yourself, Bald Eagle!
Thanks to Ron for allowing me to share his photos with you here.
There is a high fog today, with mild temps.
Pygmy Nuthatches are tiny birds. Just look at this cute one Ron Bolander recently photographed next to a cone!
The group of Pygmy Nuthatches, now numbering seven, continues to spend the night inside a birdhouse at Rick's and my place in Anchor Bay. Here is a video of them coming in for the night. Click on the blue letters and numbers below.
They arrive at dusk and leave at first light...unless they hear Ravens. Then the become silent and wait inside until the danger has passed over them. Seeing them each day reminds me the days are getting shorter.
Thanks to Ron for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
The fog has disappeared and warm weather is moving in!
First, here's a look at one of my favorite birds, photographed by Ron Bolander earlier this year.
I had had two clutches of these small birds this year, and the second clutch fledged about two weeks ago. What I didn't know is the entire family comes back to the birdhouse and rests in there overnight, leaving just after dawn. Since the birdhouse is just outside our bedroom window, the sounds of their chirping wake me up. And then I get to see this magic happen! You'll want to count how many pop out.
If you'd like to listen to these cute and vocal birds, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pygmy_Nuthatch/sounds
I just learned this from that site: "They survive cold nights by sheltering themselves in tree cavities, huddling together, and letting their body temperature drop into hypothermia. They and the unrelated Vaux's Swift are the only bird species in North America that combine those three energy-saving mechanisms." Wow! Tree cavities or a nesting box outside the window.
Thanks to Ron for allowing me to share his photos with you here.
Foggy on the immediate coast, but warm a little ways inland. It's in the low 70's here in Anchor Bay today. Thank you, fog, for keeping us cool.
Ron Bolander found a Western Bluebird couple. The male is the more brightly-colored bird on the left.
Here is a photo of the male. Yes, he's quite handsome!
Thanks to Ron for allowing me to share his photos with you here.
It's a lovely day on the Mendonoma Coast. Fog is out over the ocean, but away from the bluff edge, it's sunny with gently breezes. It's in the 70's this afternoon.
Ron Bolander wrote, "There was a Bald Eagle bathing on the north end of the gravel bar of the Gualala River. When it took off I got some photos and noticed the odd markings. The tail and the head are not completely white."
We think this eagle might be four years old. Five years is when a Bald Eagle is fully mature. Beautiful to see!
Thanks to Ron for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
The fierce wind died down to gentle breezes and the temps came up. It's a beautiful day here on the Mendonoma Coast!