West Coast from above and below

  

Air temperatures reached a balmy 65-70°F in Cotati yesterday (1 February 2026).  I took a quick look for butterflies in the afternoon.  Here's a West Coast Lady (Vanessa annabella) from above (above) and from below (below).  :)

 

 

Otter flow

  

River Otter in Bodega Harbor, 29 January 2026.  

[You can click on the image for a larger version.] 

 

Green on the horizon

  

Wasn't sure if we'd see one tonight, but there it was, glowing green on the horizon.  Photographed from Bodega Head on 28 January 2026.  [You can click on the image for a slightly better version of the photo.]

A little orange cup

  

I've been working on some photo organization, but here's a little Orange Cup Coral for you — Balanophyllia elegans, photographed in Bodega Harbor.

Every one is different

  

Sunset from Bodega Head, 21 January 2026
 

Plume de mer?

  

Close-up of the gill plume of the nudibranch sometimes known as a Sea Lemon (Peltodoris nobilis).  Note the extensive branching to increase surface area for respiration.

Evidence suggests that nudibranchs evolved from gastropod ancestors that lost their coiled shell and original internal gills.  Dorid nudibranchs like this one secondarily evolved an external gill plume for respiration.
 

Hidden talent

  

Eric was doing some field work tonight (17 January 2026), but on the side he ended up with several great shots of an intriguing Red Octopus (Octopus rubescens).  

Above, note how well the octopus blends in with the background, matching the surrounding colors and textures. 

Below, a closer view from the side next to the sea anemone:

 

 

 

And a zoomed in view, highlighting that beautiful eye:

 

 

 

 

When the octopus changed position, it changed color and texture, this time matching some of the surrounding seaweeds and nearby animals.  And check out how it matched the color of the sponge in the upper right corner of the photo — the suckers are the same deep orange color as the sponge!

 

 

 

P.S.  With thanks to the octopus and to Eric for the great photos!