Tag Archives: Craig Tooley

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On calm days the Sea Lions on the colony at Fish Rocks just off of the hamlet of Anchor Bay can be heard noisely barking. They are giving birth to pups now on the rocky islands off the coast. Craig Tooley captured a photo of a mom and her newborn pup and has kindly allowed me to share it here. Another of Craig's photos shows a group of Sea Lions on Fish Rocks. They are known for their intelligence and playfulness - this mammal is often the trained "seal" found in zoos. I prefer to view - and listen - to them in the wild!

To see more of Craig's photos, go to: http://web.me.com/theruffians1

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Brandt's Cormorants are busy building nests on Gualala Point Island just off the Sonoma coast. Craig Tooley photographed one in breeding plumage. You can see the blue throat patch - a sign this bird is ready to mate. I'm also showing you a picture taken by Rich Kuehn of storm driven waves crashing over the island taken several months ago. Brandt's Cormorant nest rather late. They instinctively know not to build their nests too soon. These birds were scared off their nests in 2006 and 2007 when a group decided to shoot off fireworks in Gualala for the 4th of July. Some places just don't work for fireworks, at least in nesting season - some places are for the birds!

 To see more of Craig's photos: http://web.me.com/theruffians1

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And X-rated sighting for you today! Craig Tooley took a lovely photo of a pair of Western Gulls mating on Black Point Island. This rocky island sits just offshore of the southern edge of The Sea Ranch. Western Gulls nest there. I will post a photo of the island in the days to come. You can see this tiny island for yourself by going on the Black Point Beach public access trail of The Sea Ranch. Once you reach the bluffs and see the beautiful beach, look for a trail that winds off to the left. That will lead to the island. Approach it quietly - it is a place of beauty and serenity.

Here is the link to Craig's web site to see more of his photos:

http://web.me.com/theruffians1/RufImage

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Harbor Seal moms haul out on secluded beaches to give birth at this time of year. One place where they come year after year is Tide Pool at The Sea Ranch. Professional photographer Craig Tooley took these two pictures this week and has given me permission to share them with you. You can see more of Craig's work at http://web.me.com/theruffians1/RufImage. Harbor Seals are among the most photogenic of Mother Nature's creatures!