Tag Archives: Sara Bogard

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Sara Bogard was at the bluffs of the Point Arena Lighthouse and the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands counting Harbor Seals, as she usually does once a week. Citizen science at it's best! She saw this American Kestrel.

These Kestrels are the smallest falcons in North America. They are fierce hunters, though, of insects and small prey. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology says their numbers are declining and you can help them by putting up a nesting box. You can learn about how to do so at this link: https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/?__hstc=75100365.3ba4c962035e2b46bef5a13526048f2b.1532470093277.1578698034623.1579993283940.72&__hssc=75100365.2.1579993283940&__hsfp=942012614#_ga=2.46727719.1805588219.1579993283-500012005.1532470093

American Kestrels have a distinctive call that can help you identify them. You can listen at this link: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/sounds

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

Bonus sighting - a pod of Orcas, Killer Whales, was seen off our coast yesterday!

As I type this at 3 o'clock Saturday afternoon, it has begun to pour!

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Sara Bogard noticed this Osprey a few weeks ago at the Point Arena Lighthouse bluffs. It was a foggy day and the fog framed this Osprey beautifully.

Sara also got two photos of the Osprey in flight.

Most Ospreys are migrating southward now, though it isn't unheard of to have an Osprey overwinter on the Mendonoma Coast.

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

Rain and lots of it! Wind too! We lost power but got it back this afternoon.

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Sara Bogard spends time each week counting Harbor Seals off the Point Arena Lighthouse bluffs. She sees more than just Harbor Seals! She saw this beautiful Whimbrel. Just look at that curved beak.

And a Common Loon.

Both species of birds are migrating southward now. Yes, the fall migration has already begun. Sara also saw some Jellyfish.

You never know what you might see when you take some time to watch the ocean. We have had Humpback Whales here in recent days, along with a few Gray Whales. Two Blue Whales were seen off the Point Arena Pier, and Harbor Porpoises...and more!

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

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Sara Bogard photographed a newborn Harbor Seal pup getting a caress from its mother.

You can see the pup is already in the water. Harbor Seal mothers give birth on land, in secluded coves. There is a nursery off The Sea Ranch where you can observe the seals without disturbing them. Docents are on duty to make sure the vulnerable pups are left alone. We never want to disturb wildlife - do no harm is a great motto.

Please don't try to "rescue" a pup. Call the Marine Mammal Center if you find an animal in distress. They will send a trained local volunteer to assess the situation. The number for the Center is 415) 289-7325. Their website is: http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/

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

Nothing but beautiful sunshine on the Mendonoma coast today! 70 degrees...wow.