Tag Archives: Craig Tooley

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Pacific-slope Flycatchers are small birds of the forest. Craig Tooley recently found a nest of chicks waiting to be fed.Pacific-slope Flycatcher chicks waiting to be fed by Craig Tooley Not to worry, one of the parents had just caught a bug and would be soon flying to the nest.

Pacific-slope Flycatcher with a bug by Craig TooleyTo hear the calls of this bird, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pacific-slope_Flycatcher/sounds

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his 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 has been watching a Black Oystercatcher  nest. The other day, the first chick appeared.

First there was one, a Black Oysterchick by Craig TooleyAnd then there were two.

Then there were two, Black Oystercatcher chicks by Craig TooleyAnd finally three little chicks, exploring their new world.

And then there were three, Black Oystercatcher chicks by Craig TooleyWatching wildlife can bring joy!

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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When the weather warms up, dragonflies grace us with their presence. This first one landed on a sprinkler head in our garden. It's a Flame Skimmer. Isn't it exquisite?

Flame Skimmer Dragonfly on my sprinkler head by Jeanne JacksonAnd here is an Eight-spotted Skimmer I photographed at Bower Park on the Gualala Ridge. (Thanks to Ron LeValley for the identification!)

Eight-spotted Dragonfly at Bower Park by Jeanne JacksonAnd here's a photo of a Blue Dancer, taken by Craig Tooley. It is in our book, Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year!Blue Dasher Dragonfly October at the Art Center by Craig TooleyThanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

 

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One of the birds that migrates into our area in the spring is the Wilson's Warbler. Craig Tooley recently photographed one.

Wilson's Warbler perches by Craig TooleyIt looks like it is wearing a black toupee! This warbler often raises its tail and flips it from side to side. You can hear its whistling call at this link: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wilsons_Warbler/sounds

This small songbird eats insects and berries.

Wilson's Warbler by Craig Tooley

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

Craig is going to be at the Four-eyed Frog Bookstore in Gualala this coming Saturday at 2 pm. He will show tips on how to take wonderful nature photos, especially the ones that are in the book we did together, Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year.

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Pileated woodpeckers are such striking birds, and their distinctive calls can be heard on the Mendonoma coast. They are our largest woodpecker. Dave Tettleton spotted one pecking on a downed tree recently.

Pileated Woodpecker by Dave Tettleton

You can see the rectangular hole this Pileated has made. The bird is looking for its favorite food, carpenter ants and other insects. Here is a close-up of one taken by Craig Tooley. Once again you can see the rectangular opening it is making. Isn't it a beautiful bird?

Pileated Woodpecker DEC2 by Craig TooleyTo hear the call of this bird, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pileated_Woodpecker/sounds

Thanks to Dave 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: www.ruffimage.com