Tag Archives: The Sea Ranch

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The Mendonoma Coast is experiencing higher numbers of Pine Siskins and Red-breasted Nuthatches. Ron LeValley informed us that cone-producing trees to the north have failed to produce enough feed for these birds so they have migrated into our area. I love the nasal call of the Red-breasted Nuthatches. They sound like tin horns in the forest. Rick and I hear their calls every day.

Pine Siskins aren't so raucous. One particular bird happened upon a get together of friends on The Sea Ranch recently. It first flew to the shoulder of Dick Balch and then proceeded to walk around his back to the other shoulder. Then it flew to George Anderson's finger where it stayed for a while. Kathy Anderson had retrieved her camera in time to get this photo.

What a gift of trust this little bird gave Dick and  George - a blessing dressed in feathers.
Thanks to Kathy for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

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Allen Vinson noticed this White-tailed Kite perched on top a tree on The Sea Ranch.  It almost looks like a hood ornament for a fancy car!

White-tailed Kites, Elanus leucurus, hunt for rodents in meadows and other open areas. They can been seen hovering in the air before they rush to the ground to snag their dinner. I have seen one hunting over the meadows of Gualala Point Regional Park.

Thanks to Allen for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

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Peggy and Mike Mee were thrilled to see a Western Screech Owl appear in the opening of the Owl house they installed near their Sea Ranch home.

 Two years ago they had a Kestrel stay a few days in the same Owl house.

Thanks to Peggy Mee for allowing me to share her photos here.

To see a photo of a Nothern Spotted Owl, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2012/07/23/northern-spotted-owl-as-photographed-by-coastal-photographer-ron-levalley/

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There have been sightings of a Gray Whale or two off the Mendonoma Coast. This whale was photographed by John Batchelder. It was seen off of The Sea Ranch.

Another Gray Whale was spotted by Ken Bailey off of Point Arena. Ken was out in his boat when he saw the whale. But Ken saw something else that really surprised him - a Mola mola. They like warm water so this might be a sign the Tuna are or will soon be running. No photo of the very strange-looking Sunfish. Ken said it was so big a Gull was sitting on it! Amazing.
Thanks to John for allowing me to share his photo with you here. 

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A towel with Japanese characters washed up on a rock at Shell Beach on The Sea Ranch last week. Lynda Frye was walking with a friend when she found it. Of course we don't know if it is from the tsunami but it certainly could be. This is a very unusual item to find on the beach.

We will be alert in the weeks and months ahead to see what might show up on our beaches from a terrible disaster half the world away.

To see several other photos of possible tsunami debris, here are the links: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2012/06/21/the-first-wave-of-tsunami-debris-has-arrived-on-the-mendocino-coast/
http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2012/09/17/a-few-more-views-from-our-day-at-manchester-state-park-including-possible-tsunami-debris/

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