Whidbey Island Critters

[LCF]

One of the things I really love about this long-running thread, besides the beautiful artwork, is that you see so many things I don't, Jan. Putting all these "pages" together would make a real PNW critter identification book!

[Jan K]

Thank you for all the support throughout the long, long thread. Many times I think it is time to retire it, after all, we all see critters on our dives and there are many great photographers here on the NWDC. Then I see something which looks a little bit different from what I saw the critter doing in the past and so you end up being subjected to yet another "page". It also helps when I identify something wrong - there is still so much to learn... And so we keep on diving, looking and sometimes manage to even take a picture or two and post it

[LCF]

There are a lot of good divers, and knowledgeable critter people, and talented photographers. But nobody else blends the three with the creative artistry that you bring to your pages! I'm quite sure none of us gets tired of seeing what you have found and put together for us. Just look at the number of views of this thread!

[Jan K]

Kelp is covering lot of the shallows at Keystone. And colonies of encrusting bryozoans are covering some of the blades. Look for tiny egg circles, there is a good chance that the Cryptic nudibranch is not far away...

[Jan K]

This jelly does not sting

[LCF]

Wow, I'm late with a comment on the cryptic nudibranch. I'll bet I've seen them tons of times and not realized it! Now I know what to look for (with my bifocals, for sure).

[Pez7378]

There are a lot of good divers, and knowledgeable critter people, and talented photographers. But nobody else blends the three with the creative artistry that you bring to your pages! I'm quite sure none of us gets tired of seeing what you have found and put together for us. Just look at the number of views of this thread!

Not only do we enjoy seeing critters that we rarely see on our dives, Jan, but personally I enjoy seeing them through your eyes. You give these critters personality. When I finally do see something I've previously see in your posts, not only do I know what it is, because of you, I smile and giggle at the personality you have illustrated and I realize how fitting it is for that particular creature.

I too am ready for the next edition of Whidbey Island Critters. I hope you continue to share with us your ability to illustrate our underwater world in a such a fun and educational way.

[Jan K]

THANK YOU. I do like to share, like others, what our waters have to offer. It all boils down to learning from each other experience. This is what makes this forum so enjoyable. :occasion5:

[Jan K]

Diving with daughter at Langley Tire Reef. The rockfish are back in numbers.

[Dusty2]

THANK YOU. I do like to share, like others, what our waters have to offer. It all boils down to learning from each other experience. This is what makes this forum so enjoyable. :occasion5:

I too sometimes wonder why I put so much time into posting on these pages. Then I see how much I enjoy your work and It inspires me to keep posting. Keep up the wonderful posts. We would all miss them very much even if most just silently look and never comment. I have lerned many valuable things here and they are very much appreciated I assure you.

[Jan K]

If you are Painted Greenling - as Dusty said : it is time for romance....

[LCF]

What a lovely photo essay on a fish a lot of us probably look past because they are so common! I can remember the first male I saw in mating "plumage" -- It was at Maury Island Barges, and I couldn't believe how vivid he was. Great page, Jan.

[Jan K]

Thank you Lynne, here is another common fish.
This one is perfect for the Point & shoot cameras, for it does not move, so the long shutter delay is not so aggravating as with trying to snap picture of "normal" fish..

[Jan K]

From the murky waters of Holmes Harbor. The housing market is booming !

[LCF]

GREAT octopus and hermit crab shots! I love the little red octopuses . . . we see them at night at Redondo a lot.

I had to laugh at your comments about the Buffalo Sculpin. For obvious reasons, it's one of the few fish I, myself, have taken pictures of!

[Dusty2]

Thank you Lynne, here is another common fish.
This one is perfect for the Point & shoot cameras, for it does not move, so the long shutter delay is not so aggravating as with trying to snap picture of "normal" fish..

In actuallity they are extremely fast in inhaling anyting that gets too close.They are an ambush preditor that simply waits for it's prey to wander into striking distance then inhales it.

[Jan K]

Thank you Lynne, here is another common fish.
This one is perfect for the Point & shoot cameras, for it does not move, so the long shutter delay is not so aggravating as with trying to snap picture of "normal" fish..

In actuallity they are extremely fast in inhaling anyting that gets too close.They are an ambush preditor that simply waits for it's prey to wander into striking distance then inhales it.

Somebody famous said once : "But I did not inhale". (just kidding). It is probably how they do get the little critters. I based my note on this source claiming that main source is algea which, like the sculpin, stays put while I try to focus on it.

Eschmeyer, W.N., E.S. Herald and H. Hammann. 1983. (Ref. 2850)
Biology:   Commonly found in inshore rocky and sandy areas (Ref. 2850). Feeds mainly on algae (Ref. 2850) but also shrimps, crabs, amphipods, mussels, and small fishes (Ref. 4925).

[GetWet]

I just love this site! I love the nudi's and you have provided a name for my current favorite, Diamond back tritonias. Thank you for providing such a great place for a novice such as I to learn so much! It is truely awesome! Please keep up the good work. - Melissa

[Jan K]

Thank you Melissa for your kind words. I agree, NWDC forums are the best source of information for all of us "locals" on all matters. From visibility and dive reports, critter ID to off diving chat, all in a friendly atmosphere. It is great to be part of it
and here is another, lighter take on another Tritonia - the pink one Enjoy.

[Tom Nic]

[Jan K]

Sunday dives with friends took us across from Whidbey. Unfortunately, visibility was not good enough to get comprehensible overview of the big wreck. Plenty of marine life, but did not get any good pictures this time. Definitely would like return when visibility improves... It was an easy dive, shallow water, no current...

[Jan K]

OOOPS.. I just realized it is ALASKA not Alaskan REEFER ](*,)

[LCF]

Wow, that looks like a fun site to do off our boat! Thanks, Jan!

[Jan K]

Thanks Lynne. The wreck is marked by an aluminum beer keg, at least that is what it looked like floating off the exposed bow section. We dove it on minus tide, so it Reefer was exposed.
We also dove the tug ORCA not far from Reefer in the anchorage of Port Hadlock. Again, we were not blessed with good visibility there, nothing like the reports from south of Whidbey ...

[Jan K]

"Can you hear me now ? "
Well, I did not this time. But I think it is an interesting tidbit of info..