Tag Archives: The Sea Ranch

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On a recent bluff walk on The Sea Ranch with Rick and friends, I spotted this blissful Harbor Seal stretched out on the rocks.

I took this photo with my super zoom, but the seal obviously heard us.

Hello, relaxed Harbor Seal! We sure didn't mean to disturb your rest.

Here's a fun fact: A Harbor Seal can dive 300 feet deep, and stay underwater up to 28 minutes!

It's sunny and quite warm today. There was a thin layer of smoke visible above the horizon during last night's sunset. But no discernible smoke from the inland fires today. Nothing but blue skies, at least in Anchor Bay and Gualala today.  ***UPDATE: 5:15 pm. Several hours ago smoke began to flow over the Mendonoma coast. We hope the winds will shift direction but for now it is hot and smoky here.

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There was a nest of Red-tailed Hawks near The Sea Ranch. The chicks recently fledged. Craig Tooley photographed this fledgling soaring through the sky.

Looks like his/her flying lessons are going very well!

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is the link to his website: www.ruffimage.com

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There are many good reasons not to leave a rope, or any kind of line, dangling in a tree or bush. Birds can get entangled. Several weeks ago Gary Hopkins photographed a beautiful Great-horned Owl hanging by a wing in a tree, ensnarled in a rope.

Diane Hichwa tells the story. “Gary Hopkins had family visiting. They saw the owl fly past Friday night. Saturday afternoon as they drove on Moonraker Road on The Sea Ranch they saw a Great-horned Owl caught by a rope in a tree! They got a ladder, gloves, blanket and headed down the steep hill. It took a while to get the rope and the bird down. Then it took a long while to unwrap the multiple wraps of rope around the owl’s wrists.”

Diane [center], Gary Hopkins [front] and Rick Hansen [rear] helped with the rescue. This photo was taken by Bryant Hichwa

The owl was transported to Bird Rescue in Santa Rosa, where she was described as “feisty.” The theory about the rope is that ropes were being used to pull power lines just below the tree. One obviously was left behind. The area was thoroughly checked to make sure no rope was left behind to endanger wildlife. Thanks to everyone who helped this owl!

Thanks to Gary and Bryant for allowing  me to share their photos with you here.

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I have had numerous sightings of this beautiful Peacock on The Sea Ranch. Cheryle Harris photographed him through her window drinking out of her fountain.

Jan de Vries spotted him walking along his fence and then posing.

He is quite the beauty! We don't know where he came from, so we hope he finds his way home.

Thanks to Cheryle and Jan for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Great Blue Herons are so graceful as they lift off coastal bluffs. Heather Haveman recently spotted one on The Sea Ranch.

Their wingspan can be as long as six feet six inches. When they fly, their legs dangle beneath them.

On land they are often seen hunting rodents.

Watch out, tasty rodent - a Great Blue Heron is looking for lunch!

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