Bobcat by Cleve Nash

Bobcat by Cleve Nash

Snowy Egrets by Alan Schmierer

Goats and Dogs at Point Buchon
by Jeanie Greensfelder

Peregrine Falcon image on banner by Cleve Nash

A Bird's Eye View by Mike Stiles

You don't have to be a birder to be fascinated with owls. In fact, owls have been worshipped and feared by many cultures for millennia, from the ancient Greeks and Romans to today's Harry Potter books.  Because of their nocturnal habits, owls have long been associated with witchcraft, no doubt because we humans are almost helpless in the dark. Owls have been considered both wise and foolish, and harbingers of death and even the weather.  The Tlingit Indians of southwest Alaska would rush into battle hooting like owls to strike fear into their enemies. Read More

Coastland Contemplations by Michele Oksen

Gold - an element, Au, aurum in Latin – "shining dawn." Historically considered a powerful, noble metal, gold is one concept of wealth. As with gold, we must learn the fine art of panning and mining for that which we consider to be valuable. Then, even the indulgence, the luxury of watching a sunrise can make us feel rich. Read More

Elfin Forest by Jean Wheeler

Although September is at or near the end of the summer dry season, expect to see lots of white flowers near the boardwalk. They're blooming abundantly on shrubs well adapted to our dry summers, such as coyote brush, chamise, and dune buckwheat.  The flowers on the buckwheat age to pink, then rust or brown during this month.  Mock heather is in the second of its two peak blooming months with bright yellow flowers. Other blooms to look for are pink everlastings and California asters with their yellow centers and white to pink/lavender rays.    Read More

Marine Sanctuaries by Carol Georgi & Karl Kempton

Whales have been coming close to shore in Avila Beach & Port San Luis Harbor as if to communicate: Please see us, hear us, save us; don't allow PG&E to kill or deafen our family and the ocean's web-of-life. The humpback whales are bringing worldwide attention to PG&E's proposed seismic tests. Read More

Female Elephant Seals in
Dispute Over Space by Kevin Cole

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