Tag Archives: Craig Tooley

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We are proud of the Point Arena Lighthouse. It's 115 feet tall, gleaming white, a sentinel to the past when ships needed its light to guide their way. Craig Tooley took this photo from an airplane.

Aerial view of the Point Arena Lighthouse by Craig TooleyCoast photographers, and visiting photographers too, have had a long love affair with this beautiful spot. Judy Woudenberg captured this photo.

The Point Arena Lighthouse by Judy WoudenbergHere is information about the National Lighthouse Day this Sunday, August 7th. And it's free!

The Point Arena Lighthouse will celebrate National Lighthouse Day on Sunday, August 7 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  All visitors will enjoy free admission to the Grounds, Museum and Tower Tours.  Wind, weather and emergencies permitting this great day will also feature the Berkeley Kite Wranglers flying their amazing kites over the grounds and a static display of a Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter!  Guests can also purchase award-winning clam chowder from the River Grill, and finish it off with Lighthouse Keepers Strawberry Shortcake and home baked brownies.  

More information is available by calling the Lighthouse at 877-725-4448 or 707-882-2809. And at: http://pointarenalighthouse.com/

The kites filling the air are wonderful to behold. Photos below taken by Margaret Lindgren.

Kites fill the air by Margaret Lindgren

Octopus Kites by Margaret Lindgren (Medium)Thanks to Craig, Judy, and Margaret for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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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.