Tag Archives: Craig Tooley

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It's fun to see spiderwebs covered in dew or wet fog. Karen Wilkinson recently photographed one.

Craig Tooley photographed one that we used in our book, Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year.

 

And Peter Cracknell found one too.

Orb-weaver spiders spin the most intricate webs, so perhaps all three of these were created by Orb-weavers. When a spider begins to build her web, she waits for a breeze that sends her from one spot to another. As the breeze moves her, she lays down the first strand. She secures it and then carefully crosses it, laying a second strand. Learning more about the process makes me appreciate spiderwebs. I try to leave them intact and admire them for the amazing creations they are.

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

Sunny and breezy today!

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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.