Tag Archives: Craig Tooley

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Shari Goforth photographed this Western Bluebird leaving a very hungry chick behind. Hopefully the parent quickly returned with a tasty bug for this little one.

Ailene Kanbe photographed this Cliff Swallow feeding the chick on the right.

And Craig Tooley found this Violet-green Swallow nest in a hedgerow. See the open mouth in the hole? Don't worry, hungry one...an insect is coming your way.

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

It's foggy here today with temps in the mid-60s! The fog is a high fog and I can see the ocean. Looks like the sun is trying to break through this afternoon. Nice to have it cool!

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Craig Tooley named these Black Oystercatchers Fred and Ginger.

It does look like they are dancing! A fun photo for you today.

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: http://www.ruffimage.com

Sunny and warm today and only a gentle breeze. Perfect weather!

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It's an exciting time of year when we see the first mother/calf pairs of Gray Whales. On Monday, several pairs were seen quite close in at Black Point Beach off The Sea Ranch. A friend called Craig Tooley and he got this great photo of a calf.

You can tell this a calf born earlier this year because of his or her stubby nose/mouth area and there are no barnacles yet! Of course the size compared to his/her mom is another clue.

Karen Wilkinson is the friend who called Craig and she got some incredible photos too. I hope to post some of hers soon.

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

oh, today is such a lovely day. Warm - low 70's - and no wind.

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GREATER FARALLONES NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY SEEKS BEACH SURVEYORS

NOAA’s Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries and Greater Farallones Association are seeking community scientists to help collect data on the condition of our sanctuary shores in north-central California. For 30 years, Beach Watch has monitored the presence of bird, marine mammal, oil and human uses on the California coast with the help of community volunteers.

Beach Watch volunteers receive training and monitor an assigned beach segment, collecting data to support the conservation and management of sanctuary wildlife, habitats, and ecosystem. Volunteers identify, count, and photo-document living and dead birds and marine mammals; document human uses of the coast in partnership with MPA Watch; and document and collect oil pollution samples as evidence.

Interested in Becoming a Beach Watch Volunteer? Here's How:

  • Register and attend one of the orientations to receive program details and application materials:
  • Orientation coming up is a  Virtual Orientation Feb 10, 2024 9:30 am-11:00am. 
  • Be 18+ years old, able to navigate uneven terrain;
  • Have a passion or interest in coastal ecology and learning;
  • Submit an application;
  • Attend all required training, and 80 hours of field and classroom instruction;
  • Commit to surveying your beach once every four weeks, for a minimum of one year.

People of all backgrounds and life experiences are welcome and encouraged to apply.

***Visit https://beachwatch.farallones.org/get-involved/ to learn more and register for an Orientation. ***

 

I added the photos and they are all by the fabulous photographer Craig Tooley. Thanks as always to Craig for allowing me to share his photos. See much more at his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

I hope some of you will become Beach Watch volunteers - you are sure to learn a lot and contribute to science while doing so!

It is storming here this afternoon, Sunday Feb. 4th. There are many power outages including at Rick's and my place in Anchor Bay. I'm thankful for the generator! It's very windy to go along with the drenching rain, and it's coming from a different direction than normal. That causes a lot of trees to fall. Many of the coast's roads are closed. It's a day to stay home and off the roads. May we all come through this river-of[rain event in good shape! I will report on the rain totals soon.

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This unusual bird, a Crested Caracara, has been seen near the P'da Hau, aka the Garcia River for several days. Rancher Larry Stornetta was the first to report its presence. Photographers Craig Tooley and Ron Bolander went looking for it Saturday, Jan. 27, and found it near the mouth of the river, hanging out with several resident Turkey Vultures. Here are some of Craig's photos of this very rare visitor here.

I had never heard of this bird before, but they are residents of Mexico and points south. Here's what the Cornell Lab of Ornithology says about them:

"The Crested Caracara looks like a hawk with its sharp beak and talons, behaves like a vulture, and is technically a large tropical black-and-white falcon. It is instantly recognizable standing tall on long yellow-orange legs with a sharp black cap set against a white neck and yellow-orange face. The Crested Caracara is a bird of open country and reaches only a few states in the southern U.S. It flies low on flat wings, and routinely walks on the ground."

I read that these birds are mostly quiet but will give out a call if disturbed. Here is a link to hear the call of this bird: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Crested_Caracara/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 a link to his website: http://www.ruffimage.com Craig and I made a beautiful book together, "Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year."