Tag Archives: Craig Tooley

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Here is King's Gentian, Gentiana sceptrum, a wildflower that grows in moist areas. Craig recently checked an area where he had found this wildflower before and there they were, despite the drought.

Their color is so vibrant! It's a real treat to see this. Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

Today, Wednesday, the fog has been persistent all day. The ocean is making some noise [ie crashing waves!] , which is always nice to hear. And we might have the first storm of the season by Friday night or Saturday. What a blessing that would be for Northern California.

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Craig Tooley found this small songbird recently, a Common Yellowthroat.

Notice the black "mask" across this bird's eyes. That tells you it is a male. The call of the male Common Yellowthroat is described as "witchety-witchety-witchety."

You can hear the call for yourself at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at this link: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Yellowthroat/sounds It is quite a distinctive call!

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

After some tropical moisture came in late yesterday, we had some light rain and flashes lightning. All is sunny and fresh today.

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The calls and emails started coming in early this morning. Some people wondered if they were seeing Orcas but it was a pod of Risso's Dolphins. Craig Tooley was out and got this photo.

Craig also took this video:

You can read more about this sighting in this week's Independent Coast Observer which will be out on Thursday. Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo and video with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

The fog lifted this morning, allowing for great sightings today!

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There is a nest of Purple Martin chicks near the Gualala River. Craig Tooley watched as one of the parents caught an insect to bring to the hungry chicks. I just took a closer look at Craig's photo, and I believe the Purple Martin has a dragonfly in its beak!

Late in June Mike Petrich photographed a fledgling Purple Martin being fed.Purple Martins here on the West Coast usually nest in woodpecker holes. They are the largest swallows. You can hear their chirpy calls at this link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Purple_Martin/sounds I read there that the male sings his loudest song at dawn.

Thanks to Craig and Mike for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

Lots of cool, moist fog for our Sunday morning, though it is pulling back this afternoon, with wind-free sunshine.

 

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One of Craig Tooley's Pic O Joy, this young American Robin might have just left his/her nest.

Here is a photo Craig took of an adult for comparison.

And here is a photo of a Robin's nest that I took some years ago.

American Robins are beautiful singers. You can listen at this link: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/sounds

Go to the "Sounds and Calls" for the cheery call I'm thinking of. I hear a Robin singing this song at dawn these days - a nice way to start the day.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

Foggy morning, afternoon sun, and mild temps - a perfect 4th of July forecast!