Tag Archives: Craig Tooley

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Craig Tooley watched these two Deer, a Doe and her yearling, walking over rocks at low tide on April 1st. Craig joked that they might be abalone picking, and that the mother Deer might be named "Jane Doe."

April 1st is usually the opening of Abalone season, but this year the season doesn't open until May 1st.

We have a beautiful day after rain in the early hours. We have had an amazing 73+ inches of rain so far this season.

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

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It's rare to see the red on top of a Kinglet's head. The "ruby-crown" doesn't show in Craig Tooley's photo. This tiny bird constantly flicks its wings, making it even more difficult to photograph.

Susan Ruschmeyer was the lucky photographer who came across a Kinglet showing off his beautiful red top. This songbird has a beautiful song. You can hear it at this link: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruby-crowned_Kinglet/sounds

Thanks to Craig and Susan 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: www.ruffimage.com

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Craig Tooley and Amy Ruegg trained their cameras on a strange-looking black fungus, which turned out to be Velvety Black Earth Tongue, Trichoglossum hirsutum.

Amy Ruegg photographed several Earth Tongues.

In David Arora's book "Mushrooms Demystified," he states that they are common in our area, which doesn't explain why I've never spotted one. He does go on to say they are hard to spot, making me feel a little better. Possibly edible, but Arora says they are much too tough to eat. The velvety texture, Arora writes, comes from hundreds of minute hairs.

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

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Paul Nordstrand found the first reported Calypso Orchid in bloom and Jinx McCombs photographed it.

They are so tiny, I usually spot them by their single leaf, which rests on the forest duff.

Amy Ruegg found one recently too.

Craig Tooley took this super-close-up photo of one, showing its intricate beauty.

And Grace O'Malley was surprised to see a completely white Calypso Orchid blooming amidst the normal colored ones.

Thanks to Jinx, Craig, Amy and Grace for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Mel Smith photographed an Earthstar, a uniquely-shaped mushroom that grows on the Mendonoma coast.

Craig Tooley photographed a Scarlett Waxy Cap, a mushroom that makes me think of flowers growing in the forest.

Craig also found a group of Shaggy Manes. This mushroom is edible when young, but they quickly melt away into an inky puddle.

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

We are having sunny, warm weather today. And tomorrow, Thursday, is supposed to be a bit warmer. We should be seeing more mushrooms appearing if they didn't drown in all the rain we've had!