It doesn't seem to matter what subject Craig Tooley photographs, he always captures beauty. In this photo Craig has caught the fog droplets refracting sunlight, creating a dance of rainbow colors - a gift of beauty for you today from the Mendonoma Coast.
Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo. You can see much more of Craig's work at: http://ruffimage.com/
On Sept. 3rd, Rozann Grunig found a shocking sight at Shell Beach on The Sea Ranch. The beach was littered with dead Sea Urchins. She also saw a Chiton, a type of sea mollusk, just barely alive. The Chiton was put back into the Pacific Ocean in the hopes it might survive.
Abalones have been found upside down off the Sonoma Coast - there has been much coverage of this event. A Red Tide plus a quiet ocean caused a loss of oxygen in these critters habitat. It is believed by local ocean watchers that this is a natural occurrence. It has happened before and will happen again. Tests are being done to see if something else is happening here. Divers and fishermen tell me while they have seen some dead abalones, there are thousands upon thousands out there and doing fine. The Mendocino Coast looks like it avoided this phenomenon.
I thank Rozann for allowing me to share her photos here.
To see Craig Tooley's photo of the Red Tide, you can see it on this link here on Mendonoma Sightings: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/08/09/red-tide-seen-off-of-the-sea-ranch/
Last year in September Craig Tooley photographed two Marbled Godwits frolicking in the surf at Manchester State Beach. We're hoping these large shorebirds will make a repeat visit this year. Here's a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology if you would like to hear what their call sounds like. http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/marbled_godwit/sounds
I thank Craig for allowing me to show you this charming photo. If you'd like to see more of Craig's photos, here's his web site link: http://ruffimage.com/ You can also put Craig's name in the search box at the top of this blog to see more photos by Craig. He's one of the best!
Is there anything cuter than a Gray Fox Kit? I don't think so. Here are two photos from Craig Tooley that make my case. Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share them here.
Enjoy! Jeanne Jackson, Gualala
Two Gray Fox Kits
Fox Kit with parent
You can see more of Craig's Gray Fox photos at this link: http://ruffimage.smugmug.com/Nature/Foxes/18158576_2HmrLR#1394557014_B9vkbC3
Craig suggested the caption, "Bad breath?" It sure fits. Take a look at his photo of two Harbor Seals taken at The Sea Ranch. I hope it will make you smile!
To see more of Craig's photos, go to: http://ruffimage.com/