Tag Archives: Craig Tooley

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Amy Ruegg several weeks ago wrote, "I am so excited to share my photo of Little Prince’s Pine or Pipsissewa, which grows in the Redwood forest on the ridge in The Sea Ranch. It is such a special little plant, only about two or three inches tall. I have been trying to find one in full bloom and get a picture of it for over five years. Today it was absolutely perfect, even though the mosquitoes were attacking me as I held still for the shot.”

Craig Tooley also got a photo one one, this one a close-up of the flower. Isn't it striking?

A neighboring property in Anchor Bay has several groups of these native wildflowers, but they are growing in full sun. However, this year there are no flowers. These tiny plants are quite sturdy, and they are a joy to find.

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

Happy Summer Solstice, the first day of summer. We started out foggy this morning but the sun soon prevailed, at least in Anchor Bay. It's sunny with a few drifting high clouds. I wish you a happy summer as we navigate through these difficult times. Walks in nature can surely help!

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Craig Tooley photographed this handsome buck, one of Craig's 'Pics O' JOY!'

Velvet is the membrane that nourishes the growing antlers inside. This buck sure looks healthy, and you can see the black tail for which these Deer were named.

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: www.ruffimage.com

Another cloudy, mild day but with no wind. The Pacific Ocean looks rather like a lake!

Spring doesn't know...

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Black Oystercatchers nest just above the high tide line on rocky areas on the coast. Craig Tooley recently spotted this mother with her eggs.

We hope people will be careful exploring the rocky shoreline this time of year, for the sake of these and other nesting birds.

Some years ago Craig got a photo of two Black Oystercatchers mating. Look at the voyeuristic Harbor Seal in the background!

This photo made me laugh! I hope you enjoy it too.

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: www.ruffimage.com

We have a lot of clouds today but it is still warm.

Spring doesn't know...

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Craig Tooley has sent his "Pic O JOY" photo and it's a beautiful native wildflower, Inside-out Flower, Vancouveria planipetala. These delicate flowers usually bloom near Redwood trees, so they are flowers of the forest.

This unusual spring-blooming wildflower is a member of the Barberry family. Its scientific name refers to explorer Captain George Vancouver. He explored the Pacific Northwest in the 1790's.

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

oh boy, it's downright HOT today! I'm writing this close to 4 pm and our outside temperature here in Anchor Bay at the 600+ foot level is 92 degrees! Too HOT - I must lodge a complaint!

And spring doesn't know...

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Craig Tooley photographed this Lorquin's Admiral Butterfly.

Laura Baker ID'd this butterfly, which was originally thought to be a California Sister. I couldn't get the ID to match because the orange on the upper wing of this butterfly goes all the way to the edge.  Laura wrote, "Lourquin's admiral is frequently confused with California sister.  You're right that one of the distinguishing  characteristics is that the California sister's wings are tipped in black beyond the orange spots.  Lorquin's admiral has orange all along the edge of the forewings.  Lorquin's admirals are associated with willows and alders while sisters are usually associated with oaks.  But we have tons of sisters and they seem to love our fruit trees, so go figure!"

Here's a California Sister for comparison. This photo was taken by Wendy Bailey.

Thanks to Laura for the ID, and to Wendy and Craig for allowing me to share their photos with  you here. Craig's photo is one of his daily Pic-O-JOY photos. You can see much more of Craig's nature photography at his website: www.ruffimage.com

We're having a heat wave! Well, it's over 80 degrees at our place in Anchor Bay. We tend to start melting when it goes over 80.

Spring doesn't know...