In appreciation of flight

Last night (21 October 2019) I spent a few more minutes watching one of the White-tailed Kites (Elanus leucurus) that's been actively hunting on Bodega Head at the end of the day.  The lighting was beautiful up high where the kite was hovering, but it was shaded down low where I was standing, so I don't think the kite noticed me.  Several times it was hovering almost directly above me.  The views were pretty special, and I couldn't choose a favorite photo, so here's a selection.  Enjoy!  [You can click on the images for larger versions.]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Striped mystery revealed

Okay, remember last night's mystery photo?  

Here's another view:

 

Meet Taylor's Sea Hare (Phyllaplysia taylori), a wonderful marine mollusc that lives in local Eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds.

This one washed up along the shoreline of Bodega Harbor, but I moved it to a small pool on the tidal flats:

 

Although this sea hare stands out against the gray/brown background of the mud, they're usually found living on blades of Eelgrass, so the green coloration with black and white stripes is excellent camouflage in its typical habitat.

P.S.  If you're wondering, the flap on the back right side is the opening to the gill cavity.

Striped mystery

I haven't shared a mystery close-up photo in a while, so here's one (or two) to ponder.  Can you guess what type of organism this is? 

 

 

(I'll reveal the answer tomorrow night!) 

Sleepy

 

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina), 15 October 2019

 

Head-scratcher

 

Common Raven (Corvus corvax) scratching its head.

And in profile:

 

Beautiful lines

 

At the end of the day today I had a lucky encounter with a young White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus).  Such a beautiful bird!

 

 

 

 

On the move

 

 Sanderlings (Calidris alba) in Bodega Harbor, 12 October 2019