CHRISTMAS DAWN

THESE VEWS WERE ALL TAKEN THIS MORNING FROM MY FRONT PORCH

Merry Christmas

from 

Sonoma County

YEARLINGS

Outside my studio window are "Mom's Twins" they are now yearlings and out on their own exploring the world.

They have been hiding under the trees during our last two storms, and like the rest of Sonoma County are looking forward to a little winter sunshine.

 

To see the full picture click on the photo 

A Day at the Lake

To view the full photograph, click once on the photo.

The Sebastopol Renaissance Fair

       

       It has been a long dry summer and the Petaluma wetlands are vanishing. Last winters rainfall was sparse leaving the wetlands in grave danger.  More than two hundred species of migratory birds may be seen here, seeking shelter and food along the Pacific Flyway.  Among those looking for refuge are four endangered species.  The marshes are dry.  The food chain is breaking down. Nature can be harsh and hard to watch.  

2012

  Egret taking flight

Same location as above this time last year, 2011

2012

Stilts flying over Dry Island in the photo above

This time last year. 2011

2012

Two mute swans swim over now dry crusted lake bottom

This time last year, 2011

We ask for rain.

LAKE RALPHINE

Following the rugged trail around the lake I always come across someone wanting to have their picture taken. Today it was a Canadian Goose, Buckeye Butterfly and a Flame Skimmer, Dragonfly.

To see a larger view click once on the image

SUMMER

 The Petaluma wetlands are nearly dry.  The water birds who move in for the summer have moved on. It is a sad day on the mud flats.

Proud To Be Your Father

Today you are a young woman, a world traveler, recently of Kuwait. Your next assignment Bangkok.  In my mind you are still that wonderful little girl I love.

Photographs by Mom