Tag Archives: Craig Tooley

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Long-billed Curlews are shorebirds with a very long, curved bill. I think they are quite elegant. We occasionally see non-breeders on the Mendonoma. Craig Tooley photographed a juvenile in flight today - his Pic O Joy. Just look at that beak!

Long-billed Curlews are North American's largest shorebird.

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

Fog on the coast, sunny just a bit off the coast. Must be August or as some locals call it, Fogust!

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This wildflower blooms in the summer months, and it's not a common flower to see. King's Gentian, Gentiana sceptrum, is native to California, though it is found in other areas. Craig Tooley photographed the beautiful flower several weeks ago.

The blossom doesn't open any further than this, I'm told. They grow in moist areas, wetlands and bogs.

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

The fog rolled in, and the smoke from the wildfires is gone here on the Mendonoma coast. Our house at the 650 foot elevation has been the fog line today. The side facing the ocean is in fog and the side facing east has been in intermittent sunshine. The coolness is welcome and is helping those fighting the fires.

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It would seem very late for a nest, but American Goldfinches do nest later than most birds. And this bird could be contemplating a second clutch. In any case, Craig Tooley watched this goldfinch working on her nest.

It's just a glimpse, for sure, but a sweet photo to see. Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share it with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

Foggy at the beaches, sunny just a bit inland, mild weather with gentle breezes - nice!

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There is a nest at Gualala Point Regional Park with several newly-hatched White-crowned Sparrows. Craig Tooley didn't want to disturb the nest, but he did find one of the parents bringing an insect back to the nest.

Park ranger Roberta Chan cordoned off the area where the nest is. The chicks should fledge soon but in the meantime, don't disturb the little ones in their nest! Karen Wilkinson took the photo of the nest area.

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

It's a sunny, warm, breezy day here on the Mendonoma Coast.

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In my original post, I wrote that these were Leopard Lilies, Lilium pardalinum, very tall lilies that bloom as early as May and as late as July. However, several readers have contacted me to let me know these are Coast Lilies, Lilium maritimum. They could even be a possible hybrid of the two.  A few weeks ago, Craig Tooley found this beautiful patch of these native wildflowers, kissed with dew.

Coast Lilies are rare. Promise me you will never pick them!

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

Here in Anchor Bay the fog pulled back early, though it is hovering over the Pacific Ocean. Yes, it's sunny and mild today.