Tag Archives: Craig Tooley

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This is the time of year when the fall migration of Monarch butterflies occurs. I have seen one or two nearly every time the sun comes out and warms things up. I am always thrilled to see one. Barbara Rice sent in photos of a male and a female Monarch. The male, shown below, has two dark scent spots on its lower wings. Can you see them?

male-monarch-has-two-scent-spots-on-lower-wings-photo-courtesty-of-barbara-riceThe female does not have these two spots.

female-monarch-lacks-the-two-scent-spots-photo-courtesty-of-barbara-riceThis generation of Monarchs is called the Methuselah generation. They are the ones who migrate, and they live seven months.

Here's a photo taken by Craig Tooley that appears in our book, Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year. Looks like it's a female!

monarch-butterfly-with-pink-flowers-oct-by-craig-tooleyThanks to Barbara for sending in the first two photos, and 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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Craig Tooley visited tide pools off The Sea Ranch recently at low tide. He found this vibrant pink nudibranch, a Hopkin's Rose, Okenia rosacea.

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It used to be rare to seem them this far north, but there have been several recent sightings. Craig photographed the same nudibranch reflected in the water.

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And Craig also took a short video of the animal on the move, a real treat.

One of the many wonders seen in tide pools, brought to you by Mother Nature...and Craig Tooley! Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photos and video with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com

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Brown pelicans continue to be seen heading north, while other birds have begun their southward migration. Grace O'Malley photographed a long string of Brown pelicans on a foggy day. You can see the wonderful Benny Bufano statue, which resides at Timber Cove Inn, in the background.

Necklace of Brown pelicans in the fog by Grace O'Malley

Here is a photo by Craig Tooley of an adult Brown pelican and a juvenile. Adults have white heads and dark underparts. Juveniles, born earlier this year to our south, have brown heads and white underparts.

Juvenile and an adult Brown JUL Pelican by Craig Tooley

We have had a very foggy August, and many are looking forward to our usually warm and bright September.

Thanks to Grace 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

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Craig Tooley caught this little treefrog looking up, as if looking at the stars.

A Sierran Tree frog by Craig TooleyI love these little frogs, which are also call Chorus frogs. For such a tiny frog, they have a big voice. Here are two photos Craig took of a Sierran Treefrog in the daylight hours. The pads on its feet give it the ability to climb pretty much anything. They act like suction cups.

Sierren Treefrog showing foot pads by Craig Tooley Sierran Treefrog by Craig TooleyThanks 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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This young Gray fox seemed to pose for Craig Tooley.

A young Gray fox looks at the camera by Craig TooleyThe juvenile Gray fox sure looks healthy! 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

Craig is the featured photographer in my book, Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year.