Before dusk yesterday, the Gualala River was full nearly to the brim. It looked like it could open at any time. This morning the river was open and Rozanne Rapozo photographed it. Notice the Bald Eagle on the north side of the sandbar.
Those Steelhead I showed you yesterday have surely exited the river, entering their next journey in the Pacific Ocean. Hooray!
Thanks to Rozanne for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
Another storm is forecast for tonight. Bring it, Mother Nature!
Chris Braley spotted a group of Steelhead in the lagoon of the Gualala River last week. The river has been closed to the Pacific Ocean by a big sandbar for many weeks, perhaps two months.
We think these are adults who have already spawned. Steelhead often don't die after spawning, and they return to the ocean after spawning where there is more food for them. Rozanne Rapozo had her long lens on her camera the day after Chris took her photo. Rozanne was only able to get two in her photograph but what a great look at these endangered fish.
We have had a lot of rain overnight and continuing today. It's very possible the Gualala River will breach the sandbar, possibly today. When that happens, these Steelhead will be on to the next phase of their lives. Live long and prosper, Steelhead!
Thanks to Chris and Rozanne for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
There was a wonderful two inches of rain in the gauge at our house this morning and it's continued to rain. 41.85 inches season to date, with "normal" rain being 50 inches. These storms are a gift for us all from Mother Nature, including the Steelhead.
It's so beautiful to see the Moon set "into" the Pacific Ocean. Rozanne Rapozo photographed this from The Sea Ranch. Notice the reflected light from the Moon in the ocean - some call this the Stairway to Heaven.
Thanks to Rozanne for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
Rain early this morning! Not a lot - a tenth of an inch - but it is always welcome. Maybe more tomorrow.
Some dogs love to play in the surf, and that's what Rozanne Rapozo recently captured with her camera. Looks like a beautiful husky to me. Do you agree?
Thanks to Rozanne for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
What a great photo! Rozanne Rapozo was at the Gualala River estuary when she saw this Bald Eagle, the male of the mated pair that call the Gualala area their home.
The pair have been seen mating this past week! X-rated sightings for you today.
Thanks to Rozanne for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
Fog at the immediate coast, sunny elsewhere. Kind of sounds like spring, rather than winter.