Wild Waters

Life in and around water can seem so alien to us. The only animals we can relate to look nothing like us and everything else just seems so out of place in our terrestrial world. However, the beauty of what lies near and below the surface is absolutely un-paralleled to what we have on dry land, so I invite you to explore the semi-aquatic world of the Pacific Northwest with me.

Want to see photos of an animal that isn't shown here? Click here to see the expanded gallery featuring unedited photos of wild aquatic residents!

Peace on the Sound- California Sea Lion (Bull)

As my school's research vessel pulls into a small inlet in Whidbey Island, a California Sea Lion highlights the serenity of the day with a nap on the water.

Waiting for Waves- Shore Crab species

The inter-tidal zone is a safe haven to some, and a nightmare to others. This shore crab hides underneath a rock, evading the many gulls, crows, 'coons, and eagles that wander the shoreline while it waits for the waves to roll in.

Hope on the Rocky Beach- California Gulls

Cloudy and stormy days are no strangers to Washingtons beaches, and while the hopeful rays of the sun peek through the gloomy sky, gulls spend the dark light hours searching for food.

Singer of the Swamps- Red-Winged Blackbird

In my neighborhood, the songs of the Red-Winged Blackbirds are a welcome sign of spring. When I took this photo however, this bird had a newer voice. Before this young male's reign, an old male held territory in the nearby stormwater pond for many years, finally being usurped by a young and peppy male.

Locked Out- California Sea Lion (Bull)

While it seems as though this Sea Lion is prevented from moving past this barrier, it is actually resting on a large buoy that holds the fences that protect the Everett Naval Station! Especially in the winter, a large colony of California Sea Lions rest beside the marine fences, basking the somewhat warm sunlight before spending the day foraging.

Male Gadwall and Female Mallard_edited_edited.jpg

Strange Magic- Mallard hen and Gadwall drake at dusk

Taken with my telephoto lens as to not disturb them, this grainy photo shows an unusual mixed species pairing of a Gadwall and Mallard. Living in similar locations, these birds will often interbreed and this pair even had ducklings awhile later.

Industry- Double Crested Cormorant

Double Crested Cormorants are a common sight in harbors along the Pacific Northwest, and the Everett Marina is no exception. Here a cormorant looks out into a sea of industrial buildings that start at the water's edge.

Surviving on Wild Waters- mixed flock of Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes

While interesting to see, a mixed flock of Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes are a frequent sight in Washington. Taken off the pier at the Seattle Aquarium, these sea ducks ride turbulent coastal waves as they rest and forage for mollusks.

Unlikely Forager- Bald Eagle

Despite being seen as the ultimate predatory bird, Bald Eagles are actually opportunistic feeders! As shown above, they will often search the shores of beaches in search of just about anything from trapped fish to the bodies of native megafauna.

The Rouse- Q the Harbor Seal

Despite the natural look of this photo, this was actually taken of Harbor Seal Q at the Seattle Aquarium! The positioning of the photo is what landed its sneaky spot in this gallery and remains as tribute to an aquarium favorite who has now passed on.