Join Island County Beach Watchers as they explore and survey the rich intertidal zone.

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Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Honeymoon Bay-July 22, 2009

Honeymoon Bay team photo 2009

Plainfin midshipman

Honeymoon Bay team at work


Checking elevation change

Recording data-Honeymoon Bay


Finn Gatewood promised her team sunshine on monitoring day at Honeymoon Bay and although it made a late appearance, it finally showed up! This six member team worked on July 22nd and enjoyed a -3.5 foot tide. The group was made up primarily of brand new Beach Watchers and they found a nice variety of species and did a great job. The highlight of the day for everyone was the discovery of 3 plainfin midshipmen fish (Porichthys notatus) under intertidal boulders as they guarded their eggs. They also saw a good sized lion’s mane jellyfish that had stranded on the rocks and found several purple ribbon worms (Paranemertes peragrina). A kingfisher, a bald eagle, and a great blue heron conducted flyovers as the team worked.
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