plant/animal reference) to get a bigger picture
Madrona B. Team |
Heart Cockle |
Typical rock wt. critters |
Large chiton |
Nudibranch & seastar |
Two seastars |
On the morning of June 24, eleven hearty Beach Watchers braved the rain and strong winds to conduct the Madrona Beach monitoring where a -3.6 tide was expected at 12:35 PM. The crew included Jack P, Judi M., Dave B, Linda B, Shirley C, Alex K, Beth H, Bill B, Pat B, Pete D., and Mike F. captain. Among the most interesting critters found near the low tide line were a large cockle (Clinocardium nutiallii), large groupings of nudibranchs (Onchidoris bilamellata) and their eggs, one rock of which was being shared by a seastar, a quite large Mossy chiton (Mopalia muscosa) and, under one rock, several small seastars (Pisaster ochracaus) that seemed to have ended their dueling with a handshake. There seemed to be a vast amount of nudibranchs among the seaweed covered rocks, more than we remembered from previous years.
quadrat inspections |
Team searchers |
Pete doing H2O quality tests |
The quadrats were lean this year, predominately filled with green seaweed, but few critters out at the depth they were laid and one quadrat was sitting over a flowing stream of water revealing little. But in general, the beach proved to be healthy and teaming with Salish Sea shore life. Pete D., monitoring leader for Camano Is, took the opportunity to take water quality samples from Madrona Beach to be tested in lab. This beach is done by Pete on a regular basis.
As the team neared completion a light rain began and the group were glad to be done. Members retired to Mike F. home for snacks and talks. Thanks to Mike for hosting and for all who came.
Pictures provided by B. Blandin and J. McDougall.
