Crescent and conjunction

  

 Crescent moon from 17 December 2020 

P.S.  Remember to watch for the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn on 21 December!

Late afternoon swim

  

Len wrote wondering whether the goldeneye I showed in last night's post might show some characteristics of a hybrid — Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) x Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica).  So I paused in the area again today and looked around a bit.  I only saw individuals that looked like Common Goldeneyes, but the ducks were a little closer to shore, so here's a better photo of a Common Goldeneye.  [That's a Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) in the background.]

Morning swim

  

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula), Bodega Harbor, 14 December 2020

Driveway moment?

 

 

Frost pattern on our car yesterday (14 December 2020).  

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

Connections

  

Yes, this is a small embroidered whale on the sleeve of a sweatshirt.  I know this photo is a little different than the ones I usually post, but there’s a marine mammal, as you can see, so there is a natural history connection.  :)

Last night one of my college friends that I hadn’t talked with in many years submitted a comment to the NHBH…such a nice surprise!  Kathy and I rowed together on the UNH crew team, so when I heard from her I thought of my UNH crew sweatshirt with this little whale sewn into the sleeve.  At one point, someone on the team came up with the idea to personalize each team member’s sweatshirt with something that represents them.  I was interested in marine biology, and believe it or not, I’ve treasured this little whale friend on my sleeve for over 30 years!  (Champion made the best sweatshirts back then.)

Life has been a bit circuitous since I first met this little whale, and I’m so glad that it has worked out for me to live and work near the ocean.  But hearing from Kathy made me think about my former teammates and how their support of my marine biology interest stayed with me.  Not only were they amazing athletes, but they helped me believe in myself and my ability to pursue a path, no matter how difficult.  I love seeing connections, so here’s one that you (or I) might not have thought of before — in part, the Natural History of Bodega Head comes to you from my UNH crew teammates!  I’m so thankful to them, and I hope you, too, can trace the many connections from different parts of your life that have provided support over the years and helped you pursue your interests.

 

 

Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) near Cordell Bank in October 2018.

Eye-catching

While doing field work yesterday (12 December 2020), we spotted some bright blue isopods in the intertidal zone.  Although quite small (only ~2-3 mm long), their bright coloration really made them stand out against the reddish-brown rocks:

 

 

 

We didn't have a lot of time, but we took a few photos for the record:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We think this is Dynamenella sheareri, but we are keen to learn more about them, so let us know if you've seen blue isopods like this in your area!

My, what long toes!

 

 

A quick shot of a Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) at our backyard bird bath.  I was struck by the length of its toes!