This Western Gull was NOT happy a big Bald Eagle was perched nearby. Perhaps there is a nest there. Shari Goforth photographed the action as the gull launched itself at the eagle.
The Bald Eagle took the hint and lifted off.
Great action photos by Shari! I thank her for allowing me to share her photos with you here.
Fog made an appearance early this morning, cooling off the immediate coast. It's more than ten degrees cooler today, temps in the low 70s at Rick's and my place.
Gail Jackson photographed this tranquil scene. Western Gulls, California Gulls and more were resting on a local beach.
And then a Peregrine Falcon arrives, undoubtedly looking for a meal.
All the Gulls weren't sleeping, though, and they all launched into the air.
Thanks to Gail for allowing me to share her photos with you here. To see much more of Gail's nature photography, here is her website: https://gailyimages.com/
It was sunny and cool this morning, but clouds are moving in this afternoon. Rain is predicted for Wednesday.
Tami Sutton noticed this lone Western Gull standing on a rocky outcropping while a big wave crashes onshore. That gull had to get wet!
Western Gulls are the only year-round gull here on the Mendonoma Coast, though we see quite a few other species of gulls overwintering here.
Thanks to Tami for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
It was sunny this morning, but clouds are pouring in, creating beautiful patterns in the sky. More rain headed our way. Can you hear that drought breaking? I can!
On Sunday May 8th, Jeff Goll was at MacKerricher State Park during the most recent rains. He got this beautiful and unusual photo of a Western Gull in flight. Jeff calls this a hooded gull.
He then spotted a Western Gull - perhaps the same Gull? - nab a Shrimp for its meal.
Rain showers coming in!
Followed by a rainbow.
MacKerricher State Park is located three miles north of Fort Bragg in Mendocino County. It has nine miles of coastline to explore. You can learn more about this wonderful park at this link: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=436
Thanks to Jeff for allowing me to share his photos with you here.
It's sunny, but there is fog hovering over the ocean, which keeps the temperature nice and cool. It's springtime breezy too!
Michael Reinhart wrote, “I looked out the window and saw a VERY large bird circling low over the water – an immature Bald Eagle. While grabbing my camera, I noticed that there was a gull on the water under the eagle. The eagle attacked, picking up the gull, and flew off adjusting its prey in its talons.
Another gull [a Western Gull] made a few dives at the eagle, but the eagle kept going and disappeared around the cliff.”
Mike caught sight of the juvenile Bald Eagle on a bluff where he/she presumably finished off his or her meal.
It is heartening to see the recovery of Bald Eagles. As their numbers increased, they began expanding their territory northward along the coast. First we saw a pair in Jenner, and then two years later, the Gualala Bald Eagles arrived. Could this young one be last year's offspring of the Gualala pair? Maybe!
Thanks to Mike for allowing me to share his photos with you here.
It's sunny and breezy today, and achingly beautiful!