Tag Archives: Craig Tooley

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Just north of Stewarts Point, a bull Tule Elk has been seen on the west side of Highway One with a group of dairy cows. He might just be sharing their feed or he's a little confused during this time of the rut. Craig Tooley got this photo of the rare visitor.

Tule Elk bull near Stewart's Point by Craig Tooley

There is a herd at Point Reyes so perhaps this fellow came from there. He hasn't been seen for the past several days, so we'll have to wait and see if this was a one-time visit or if Tule elk are expanding their territory to include the coast.

Here's a photo of the elk appearing to chase the cows. This photo was taken by Ron LeValley.

Tule Elk Stewart's Point SON 10-10-15 by Ron LeValley 222926

And finally a photo of the elk bugling, taken by Rozanne Rapozo.

Tule Elk bugeling by Rozanne Rapozo

Thanks to Craig, Ron, and Rozanne for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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It's so hot even the African hoof animals at the B. Bryan Preserve in Point Arena are looking for shade. Here are two Grevy's Zebra photographed by Judy Mello.

Grevy's Zebras in the shade by Judy Mello

It's fascinating to learn what Judy and Frank Mello are doing to preserve endangered animals at their preserve in Point Arena. Here's a link to their website: http://bbryanpreserve.com/

Here's one of my favorite photos of a Grevy's Zebra baby with its mother at the preserve. The young zebra had just seen a gopher pop up and couldn't believe what it just saw! This photo was taken by Craig Tooley.

Grevy's Zebra baby with mom APRIL by Craig Tooley

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

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Jan de Vries noticed these Western Gull chicks. One was exercising its wings, perhaps ready for its first flight.

Western Gull chicks by Jan de Vries

Here's a photo taken by Craig Tooley of newly hatched Western Gulls. They blend in with rocks and pebbles - don't they look very different from a full grown Western Gull?

Western Gull mother feeding her chicks by Craig Tooley

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

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There is a flock of big American White Pelicans near the mouth of the Russian River at Jenner. Craig Tooley recently photographed one either just lifting off or coming in for a landing.

American White Pelican by Craig Tooley

We rarely see them on the Mendonoma Coast, though I just received a sighting of about twenty that flew by The Sea Ranch last Tuesday. Rick and I once saw two Am. White Pelicans flying over us while visiting the hamlet of Mendocino. They are BIG and very exciting to see!

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

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The Salal Trail is rather hard to find. The trailhead is in Gualala Point Regional Park. After you pass the pay station, turn into the parking area on the left and park in the right side. To your left you will see the beginning of the trail.

Beginning of Salal Trail by Jeanne Jackson (Medium)

You amble down a path between Highway One and the golf course. The trail then heads west. Rick and I, along with friends C'Anna and David Bergman-Hill and our new rescue golden retriever, Sunny, recently enjoyed the trail.

We found summer wildflowers in bloom. Here David has photographed C'Anna and me finding Wight's Paintbrush.

C'Anna Bergman-Hill and Jeanne Jackson find Wight's Paintbrush by David Bergman-Hill

Here's a close-up of this native wildflower, photo by Craig Tooley.

Wight's Paintbrush by Craig Tooley

We came to the waterfall and even in the drought there is a slight trickle. When the winter rains come, the waterfall is glorious. Here's are two photos I took a few years ago. It's really a magical place.

View of waterfall on Salal Trail by Jeanne Jackson (Medium) Waterfall on the Salal Trail by Jeanne Jackson (Medium)

Finally, at the end of the trail, you come to a small beach, which is where Rick and Sunny are. This photo was taken by C'Anna.

Rick and Sunny at the end of the Salal Trail by C'Anna Bergman-Hill

We feel very fortunate Salal Trail is a public access trail. There is no other quite like it!
Thanks to C'Anna, David, and Craig for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com.