I CAN'T BELIEVE I ATE THE WHOLE THING...

Lots of people ask, "What eats Seastars?".  Well, it turns out one of the most common predators on seastars are gulls; mainly the larger gulls like the Western, and Glaucous-winged Gull, which are common in the Seattle area.  In addition seastars are eaten by other seastars, sea otters, raccoons, and fish and plankton eaters that feed on them when they are in the larval stage as part of the zooplankton.  Also you will find them in food markets in China...for human consumption.

breakfast

down the hatch

Who's next?

HARBOR SEAL PUP AT ALKI

I went to Alki beach again this morning to look for the River Otters.....no luck.  A Harbor Seal pup that has been weened arrived and hauled-out at Duwamish Head.  This is a healthy looking pup likely a couple of months old. The lines on the side of the pup are called blubber rolls or lines. There was not much beach and a rising tide so after fighting the wave action for about 1/2 hour the pup went back in the water....sort of picked the wrong time and the wrong beach to take a nap.  These pups need lots of rest time....at least 50% of their time is spent out of the water to rest and conserve heat.

Seal Sitters is a non-profit organization the monitors the seals when the come ashore to ensure they are not disturbed by people or dogs.  If you at a West Seattle beach and see a seal on the beach please call Seal Sitters and notify them of the location.  206-905-SEAL.

RIVER OTTER FAMILY AT ALKI

 Spotted a River Otter family this morning at Alki...for more detailed information on Washington River Otters go to:  http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/otters.pdf

Alki Otter family

Checking me out

Homeward bound

4 clowns