Sightings

Diablo’s gnat fog: “I’m curious to know if you’ve ever run across this. I was hiking on Mount Diablo today and saw what at first looked like a moving wisp of fog above a manzanita. As I watched it, I realized it was a cloud of gnat-like insects flying in synchronized waves that spread and folded back on themselves.” — Tom Ruppel. I’ve seen the same thing with ladybugs at Frey Creek on the hike to Feather Falls in Plumas National Forest. — T.S. Rapt flight: “Coyote Hills is a spectacular site for seeing raptors at work. I’ve seen more hawks hunting there in one afternoon than any other place I’ve ever been.” — David Snook Waking of the marsh: “My favorite part of it is hearing my son talk about being out there quietly with his boys, the dawn lightening the sky, and, as you say, the flurry and sounds of all the birds — and how that is in a way sacred, better than a religion.” — Emily Sparks Right on schedule, Part 1: “We spotted the first white pelican at Lafayette Reservoir — the first of the flock that spend the winter there. Something to be thankful for.” — Jeff Johnson On schedule, Part 2: A dozen white pelicans arrived at Marina Lagoon in San Mateo, reports John Swanson. “Magnificent sight,” he said. Peninsula bald eagle: “We watched kites nest all summer in a tall tree in our Sharon Heights backyard. Great activity with four adults. Then to my amazement last week, I saw (and photographed) this bald eagle from my home office window.” — Steve and Lisa Steinhart