During the winter, here in the PNW, our minus tides (extreme low tides) happen at night instead of during the day. Don’t let that discourage you. I know, when you are sitting on the couch at home after dinner, under a cozy blanket, reading a book or watching a movie, it can be VERY hard to motivate yourself to bundle up and head out into the cold, dark winter night. But, trust me, it is so worth it. Comments are on, so if you know what I am talking about and want to share your night time tide pool experience with others..please, chime in!
Visiting tide pools at night has a certain magical quality. The beach is so peaceful. Unlike during the summer, algae (seaweed) on the beach is sparse, making it easier to see more. Winter storms sometimes bring creatures (and mysterious objects) further in than they would be normally and that makes for some interesting beach finds.
Oddball 8 armed (normally they only have 5) Ochre Star, Pisaster ochraceus
Painted anemone
A rare sighting of a graceful Sea Butterfly
Fish Eggs
Leopard Dorid Nudibranch
Leather Star
Red gilled nudibranch, Flabellina verrucosa
Pacific Red Octopus