Tag Archives: Craig Tooley

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Well, these aren't exactly spiders. They are arachnids called Harvestmen. They are also called Daddy Longlegs. Craig Tooley photographed a group of them, which is called a snarl.

 I wonder just how many Harvestment are in this snarl. Dozens, yes. Hundreds, perhaps!

Here's what Craig Tooley wrote, “My neighbors, John Holloway and Elaine Reed, asked me to come over and take a few pictures of this interesting collection of arachnids or Harvestmen. When I asked John what he knew about them, he said, ‘There are many species of them around the world, with fossils of them going back 400 million years. They are called Daddy Longlegs, though they are not a true spider.’”

These arachnids are very beneficial, eating many other insects including termites. They only have two eyes, as compared to spiders that have six or eight. They are entirely harmless to humans. John and Elaine’s visitors have formed this snarl for the same reason Sea Lions raft together – for protection against predators, and perhaps for warmth.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his interesting photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's wildlife photography, here's the link to his website: http://ruffimage.com/

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Conditions were perfect for a green flash at sunset Monday, Jan. 14th. Craig Tooley set up his camera and look what he got.

Beautiful! The sunsets the past several nights have been shades of orange. And when you can add the elusive green flash, you have to say that life is good.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's photography, here's his website: http://ruffimage.com/

To see another photo of the green flash, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/04/28/the-green-flash-its-not-a-myth/

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Male California Sea Lions are migrating now. In recent months the males have been hanging around the females on Fish Rocks, which is just off Anchor Bay, and a few other locations. Now the males are leaving, some going only as far as The Sea Ranch. Craig Tooley photographed a magnificent male with a Common Raven looking over its shoulder.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's Coastal photography, here's the link: http://ruffimage.com/

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Craig Tooley photographed this Red-shouldered Hawk. Craig named it "Ichabod Hawk" as it appears to have no head.

No, it's not Photoshopped. The Hawk was looking back and down when Craig took this photo. Below you will see the Red-shouldered Hawk in all its glory.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photos with you here. The first one gave me a laugh.
To see much more of Craig's wildlife photography, here's the link to his website: http://ruffimage.com/

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One of the shorebirds we see during the fall migration is the Red-necked Phalarope. Several were seen off of the Point Arena Pier. Craig Tooley photographed one off of Sonoma County recently.

It looks like it is talking back to Craig. This endearing bird spins in circles on top the water like a wind-up toy. This is how they feed. They create an upwelling that brings food particles up to them.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see more of Craig's coastal photography, here's the link: http://ruffimage.com/