The new moon of Jan. 11 and the full moon of Jan. 25 bring a series of extreme high tides—from 5 to nearly 7 feet—during daytime hours, with corresponding low tides close to sunset and after dark. This full moon is known as the “stay home” moon in Celtic tradition and the Wolf Moon in the Farmer’s Almanac. Staying home on these frosty mornings sounds good! No wolves will be howling, but we may hear coyotes in the Olema (meaning “coyote” in Coast Miwok) Valley.
New to me is the presence of a bevy of tundra swans at Abbotts Lagoon. Typically seen in the Central Valley, they may have been blown toward the coast by seasonal storms. I have seen mute swans, a European species, in Nicasio Reservoir.
Rough-skinned newts are on the move. They have a bright orange underside that helps deter predators such as garter snakes. This species has just started its annual breeding cycle, which typically occurs from December to July. The newts are seeking shallow ponds to lay their eggs, so keep an eye out; they may be seen at White House Pool and Bear Valley. Best not to touch or pick them up, as they exude toxic substances, another deterrent for predators.
National seashore visitor centers, roads and trails and the historic lighthouse are open on the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday.