Although I do have pictures of warm blooded animals, I’ve decided to feature photos of some bugs and critters from my archives for this weeks B&W challenge!
Here’s to Cee for hosting great challenges and collecting current challenge websites for all to access!
Yesterday, I posted photos of reflections in a Fresnel lighthouse lamp. Today some reflections of light from jellyfish washed up on the beach. I have Steve Morey of theoutershores, to thank for his informative blog about these (and other) ocean/beach creatures.
Sea nettle, Chrysaora sp
I’m pretty sure the above are all Sea nettle jellyfish. They were on the beach on the same day, washed up after a February storm, along with the other commonly found jellyfish I photographed that morning on Long Beach; Moon jelly, Aurelia sp.
Moon jelly, Aurelia sp.
Lion’s Mane jellyfish, Cyanea capillata
Though I’m not positive, I believe this is a Lion’s Mane jellyfish, found along the rocky coastline of Orcas Island, WA.
In spring, massive amounts of By-the-wind sailors, and Comb Jellyfish (Ctenophore) wash up along the wrack-line at Long Beach. The photo above, with spring clouds reflected in the surf, gives a sense of how much sea life is cast up on shore.
By-the-wind sailor, Velella velella
*”Augustin-Jean Fresnel (1788-1827), was a French Civil engineer and physicist whose research in optics led to the almost unanimous acceptance of the wave theory of light…he is perhaps better known for inventing the reflective/refractive Fresnel lens…
…and for pioneering the use of “stepped” lenses to extend the visibility of lighthouses….”
This Fresnel lens saved countless sailors while in the crown of the North Head Lighthouse. It can be seen at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Cape Disappointment State Park, Ilwaco, WA – USA.
Looking west across the Pacific Ocean, from the top of North Head Lighthouse.
When I snapped this photo last May, I was beguiled by the lovely red and gold blossoms held up on strong green stems. Today, while looking for an image for Cee’s FOTD challenge, I landed on this picture of Scotch Broom blossoms with their seasonal colors.
Though I know Scotch Broom is considered invasive, now I have learned it is considered a noxious weed in the state of Washington.
“It displaces native and beneficial plants, causing loss of grassland and open forest. It aggressively spreads to form monocultures, replacing desirable forage grasses and young trees. Seeds are toxic to livestock and horses.”
Looks I’ll be doing research into what resources are available to remove the Scotch Broom that is growing in our collectively owned dune property at The Breakers!
We just returned from a week at Long Beach where we were treated to a big winter wind storm, high tides and storm surge. Amazingly, Jello and I were able to get in our morning and afternoon walks, with only one being in a torrential downpour!
From the safety of our deck, the swelling and turbulent surf was stunning to observe.
An adult Bald Eagle, its feathers riffling in the wind, didn’t spend much time on its perch.
This wave chased me back up the berm when it came rushing in while I was engaged in watching the birds!
Stormy ocean spray formed drifts along the shoreline, as the wind whipped away pieces forming rolling balls of foam that swept across the beach.
Black-bellied Plovers, in non-breeding feather, probe for food among drifts of foam.
Over the past few years LT, who lives across the street, and I have hosted gatherings to bring our near neighbors together. Mind you, we come from divergent political positions, some even at pole opposites, however all who attend uphold a tacit agreement to leave our politics at the door. We come together sharing food and spirits, to celebrate being a community that looks out for one another.
This December was my turn to have the holiday gathering. Coming as it did, after the midterm election (the results of which I continue to celebrate), I am pleased that our tradition of civility and good cheer endures.
Cheers to peaceful commemorations of our shared humanity!
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #23: Celebrations (Enchanting Peru 3)
Lindy Low LeCoq 