Tag Archives: Craig Tooley

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Black Phoebes are year round residents of the Mendonoma Coast. Craig Tooley recently photographed one perched on a branch.

I had one perch on the railing of our deck recently, giving its distinctive chirp. You can listen to its calls here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black_Phoebe/sounds

Black Phoebes are flycatchers, so you shouldn't be surprised that they eat insects that they catch in the air. Here's a fun fact from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's website:

"The male Black Phoebe gives the female a tour of potential nest sites, hovering in front of each likely spot for 5 to 10 seconds. But it’s the female who makes the final decision and does all the nest construction."

Of course it's the female who makes the final decision!

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

Another sparkling, spectacular day today. Cold, windy and even wet weather is predicted beginning Friday. Bring it on, Mother Nature!

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Warm, sunny days morph into star-spangled nights on the beautiful Mendonoma Coast. Craig Tooley was at Green Cove on The Sea Ranch Friday night and he photographed this gorgeous sight - the Milky Way.

You can see a meteor to the right of the galaxy, and the afterglow of Friday night's sunset - just lovely! Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

It's a little cooler today, thank goodness. It's sunny and clear, and the fog is still AWOL.

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A beautiful hummingbird was seen on October 2 and 3 at The Sea Ranch. John Batchelder’s daughter, Marianne, was the first to see it and identify it.

BBIH @TSR 100220

Diane Hichwa wrote, “There is a rare bird staying for a few days at Sea Ranch - a Broad-billed Hummingbird. It has been seen on two other occasions in Sonoma County.  It SHOULD be in Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico, but not here. But it is.”

Several other photographers got wonderful photos of the colorful hummer, including Craig Tooley.  Craig wrote, “It is spectacular. Also, it makes a very different sound than our local Hummers.” Here is a link to hear their calls, which are quite different! https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Broad-billed_Hummingbird/sounds

Karen Wilkinson also photographed the beautiful hummingbird.

Why this little bird was so far from its normal territory is a puzzle, but we know how to appreciate beauty when we see it. Welcome to the Mendonoma Coast, little hummer!

Thanks to John, Craig and Karen for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

We are having a oh-so-lovely autumn day today. Perhaps a little rain tomorrow, please rain gods and goddesses!

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Craig Tooley wrote, "Hi Jeanne, this is my Pic O Joy for today. Yes, it is a very rarely photographed forest fairy.  🙂 I can tell already that you're smiling! I have other sharper pictures but this one captures the spirit."

This isn't the first time Craig has photographed a Forest Fairy. This one was seen with small mushrooms. What beautiful wings she has!

 

Something whimsical for you today from the talented photographer, Craig Tooley! Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

No smoke, just beautiful blue skies today. It's the last day of Summer as the Autumnal Equinox is tomorrow morning here on the Mendonoma Coast.

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Craig Tooley noticed this heart made out of rocks in the Gualala River, a sweet sighting.

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

The fog has been pushed back over the Pacific Ocean and the sun reappeared. With a heat wave forecast for inland areas, the Mendonoma Coast will surely be the place to escape the heat. Masks and social distancing are the order of the day, along with enjoying the beauty of the coast.