Tag Archives: Craig Tooley

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Craig Tooley always has his camera with him, so he was able to take a quick photo of a Merlin lifting off from a tree.

Merlins are small, fierce falcons. They prey on small birds. They were impacted by the pesticide DDT, but they have recovered since DDT was banned. Fun Fact: Merlins don't build their own nests. They take over an old nest built by other raptors. Here is a link to hear their calls: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Merlin/sounds

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

It's hard to believe, but we have a winter-like series of storms coming in for Wednesday and Thursday. Wow!

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Craig Tooley was out recently photographing wildflowers. One of them he found is the non-native Forget-me-not.

Craig found two native wildflowers, including Witch's Teeth, Hosakia gracilis.

And lastly a beautiful and rare Monterey Mariposa Lily, Calochortus uniflorus.

Most wildflowers are very small, Mother Nature's way of making sure you are paying attention!

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

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Craig Tooley photographed one of the first Fawns to be born this spring, following its mother.

So small, so precious and so many spots! Craig said that just after he took this photo, the little fawn went under the bushes on the left side of  his photo and took a nap. As Fawns continue to be born, it's important to slow down and watch for them. Fawns follow their mothers, and twin fawns are likely. So if a Doe crosses the road, wait a minute to see if a fawn...or two...or even three might be following behind.

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: www.ruffimage.com

The weather is wonderful. Head for the coast!

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Ken and Martha Fischer were walking at Manchester State Beach when they approached this piece of driftwood. Ken said it looked like the Sphinx.

What do you see? It's fun finding shapes in nature. Here's a driftwood pig that Ed Connolly found.

And a driftwood heart that Craig Tooley used to wish friends a happy Valentine's day.

Thanks to Ken, Ed and Craig for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Christopher Arnold wrote, "I've been exploring the area for decades and can never remember anything like this. The three beauties were perched on a log over the rushing Pomo Creek in The Sea Ranch."

"I hope one of your wildlife experts can identify them. They can't possibly be what they seem."

Last December Craig Tooley found a fairy next to a tiny mushroom. It seems there ARE fairies in the forest!

Thanks to Chris and Craig for these fun sightings.

We're back into more rain but you won't hear me complain. After the drought, I celebrate this nice, wet winter/early spring.