Winter on the North Coast

The north coast of California is a place of wonder and beauty. Most people know there are redwood forests and breathtaking ocean vistas here. What many might not realize is that Del Norte and Humboldt counties are treasure troves of wildlife viewing. Elk, sea lions, river otters, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and white-tailed kites are but a few of the wildlife species commonly seen here.

"Eyes on the Prize" by Loree Johnson Photography. This bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) knows what it wants and is going for it.Eyes on the Prize

After spending last winter in the desert, this winter I was drawn back to the Pacific coast of northern California. The deserts of New Mexico, Arizona and southern California have their charm, for sure, but the Pacific Northwest calls to me like no other region I’ve visited.

"Papa Otter" by Loree Johnson Photography. Adult river otter (Lontra canadensis) taking a break on the rocks in the Smith River Estuary, California. Papa Otter

Although it’s been wet and chilly sometimes, most days there is nowhere I’d rather be. And all the rain has helped me track down the leaks in my RV!

"Sea Lion with Catch" by Loree Johnson Photography. California sea lion gorging on steelhead trout amid the winter run on the Smith River, California. Sea Lion with Catch

According to many of the animals I’ve observed over the last few months, the fishing here is really good! From seals and sea lions catching steelhead to otters catching flounder and shorebirds catching tiny baitfish, the food chain is truly on display.

"Heron with Fish" by Loree Johnson Photography. Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) with a freshly caught fish from the Smith River in northern California. Heron with Fish

If you travel to the north coast of California to enjoy the beautiful sights, make sure you take time to notice the creatures that make these incredible places their home.

"Spiky Elk" by Loree Johnson Photography. A Roosevelt Elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti) cow trying out one of the trendy new spiky hairstyles after the rain at Prairie Creek Redwoods, Humboldt County, California. Spiky Elk

As humans, we sometimes get caught up in the beauty and grandeur of a landscape, while forgetting that it’s also a habitat for other living things. And, at other times, we notice nature’s diverse assortment of beings and forget the habitat required to support them. My time in these places has reminded me that we are all connected to each other and the earth.

"Mist in the Redwoods" by Loree Johnson Photography. After the rain, the sun shines through the mist deep in the redwood forest. Photographed at Prairie Creek Redwoods, Humboldt County, California. Mist in the Redwoods

"Eagle Flying at You" by Loree Johnson Photography. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in flight toward the camera. Eagle Flying at You

 

 

2 Comments

  1. Breathtaking images, as usual. Thank you!

  2. Thank you Jane. Hopefully, more to come!

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