Sleeping in the sun

  

It was another warm day, with temperatures reaching ~65°F on the coast today (3 February 2026).  I was checking on a few different things and was seeing quite a bit of insect activity (butterflies, bumblebees, and flies).  There was a nice breeze and it felt like one of those days when it would feel nice to take a nap in the sun, and then I happened upon a badger...sleeping in the sun!

The badger looked up for a moment, and looked pretty sleepy:

 

 

And then it nestled down for a nap.  

 

I walked quietly in a wide circle so as not to disturb the badger and took one more photo showing the badger lying in the grass next to its burrow:

 

 

 

Any sighting of a badger feels special, but I especially enjoyed this view of one at rest, with the sunshine on its back and the breeze blowing across its fur.

West Coast from above and below

  

Air temperatures reached a balmy 65-70°F in Cotati yesterday (1 February 2026).  I took a quick look for butterflies in the afternoon.  Here's a West Coast Lady (Vanessa annabella) from above (above) and from below (below).  :)

 

 

Otter flow

  

River Otter in Bodega Harbor, 29 January 2026.  

[You can click on the image for a larger version.] 

 

Green on the horizon

  

Wasn't sure if we'd see one tonight, but there it was, glowing green on the horizon.  Photographed from Bodega Head on 28 January 2026.  [You can click on the image for a slightly better version of the photo.]

A little orange cup

  

I've been working on some photo organization, but here's a little Orange Cup Coral for you — Balanophyllia elegans, photographed in Bodega Harbor.

Every one is different

  

Sunset from Bodega Head, 21 January 2026
 

Plume de mer?

  

Close-up of the gill plume of the nudibranch sometimes known as a Sea Lemon (Peltodoris nobilis).  Note the extensive branching to increase surface area for respiration.

Evidence suggests that nudibranchs evolved from gastropod ancestors that lost their coiled shell and original internal gills.  Dorid nudibranchs like this one secondarily evolved an external gill plume for respiration.