August 4

The early morning weather is clear and cool as Caroline, Riley and I follow a walking Western Gull along the rocky and sandy Oregon seashore. Since the tide is low, a variety of marine creatures are on display among the huge rocks and tide pools. A closer look at the rocks, show a surface covered with dark-colored, clam-like California Mussels mixed with light-colored Goose-neck, Acorn and Little Brown Barnacles. Mussels and Barnacles are filter feeders and compete for space and resources. Some are harvested for seafood. Coming upon one of many tide pools, I spots some colorful Ochre Sea Stars. These starfish display color polymorphism, where different colors exist within the same species. The orange color comes from a diet of Mussels, rich in orange pigments while the reddish and brown colors come from a more varied diet. Ochre Sea Stars are voracious predators on Mussels. By killing large numbers of them, they determine to some extent their distribution. Mussels are superior competitors for space and may take over the rocky substrate, but the presence of these Sea Stars allows other animals to use the space that is void of Mussels. In addition to starfish, I notice some small greenish-brown Aggregating Anemones. They use bits of shell and sand to camouflage themselves, making them blend into their surroundings. They can have "war" with other colonies using specialized tentacles. Under the water, I spot a 2-inch Tidepool Sculpin. This fish has several adaptations that allows it to thrive in these conditions. It can breathe air for short periods when out of the water, helping it survive when the tide recedes. It can change color to match its surroundings, making it difficult to spot. Sculpins are predators, feeding on small invertebrates like isopods, amphipods, and worms. Continuing to explore the beach, at my feet, I observe one of many Sand Fleas. Often called beach hoppers, these ¼ inch organisms are not insects, but small Crustaceans. Looking up at a steep rock face, I spot white blossoms of Coast Angelica and a Pelagic Cormorant standing on its nest that it cemented to the rocks with its own white guano (feces). Looking seaward, I notice a large mat of floating Bull Kelp. This species forms dense underwater forests that are particularly important for providing food and shelter for various species and are known to be essential to Oregon's coastal fisheries. However, these forests are facing decline due to warming waters and overgrazing by sea urchins, highlighting the need for conservation efforts. 

Peak of summer

Here in the west

Exploring nature

Remains my quest

Endless ocean

Rocky beaches

A pelican dives

A whale breaches

An osprey soars

Higher than most

Pounding surf

Carves the coast

 

D. DeGraaf