Exposed kelp, brown, in the foreground, and green seagrass beyond, signal low tide, an invitation to treasure hunt.
Sea cabbage, Hedophyllum sessile, shines like gold in the morning sunlight. This specimen’s lacy, ridged blades resemble the outer leaves of Savoy cabbage. The cabbage-like look is a clue that the habitat is semi-protected. In surf-pounded settings, the blades become smooth and strap-like.
A painted anemone, Urticina, hides away under an overhang, tentacles retracted, awaiting the turn of the tide. In the background, sharing the protection of the overhang, a lovely hydroid, Aglaophenia.
The sudden appearance of a watchful skeleton shrimp (Caprellidae), ready to strike, is startling. This less than cuddly shrimp-like amphipod appeared, ghost-like, out of nowhere, while I concentrated my gaze on the white-and-orange-tipped nudibranch, Janolus fuscus (bottom center).
Morning sunlight ignites the fire in an Amphissa on the move. This is a wrinkled amphissa, A. columbiana, trekking over a spring Odonthalia, one of those inscrutable red seaweeds.
Soranthera ulvoidea‘s radiant globes glimmer like jewels. S. ulvoidea is an epiphyte on Neorhdomela and Odonthalia. Both hosts are visible here. These studded gemstones are hitched to Odonthalia sprigs originating near center frame.
The turn of the tide ended my hunt, protecting other treasures for another day. Still, I’m grateful, in the short time I had, to have encountered these varied riches. I made all these finds between 7:39 and 10:16 am on June 4th, 2019.
theoutershores 
Fascinating life forms I never see here in the Midwest. Beautiful!
Well, then I’m so glad you got to join me on my treasure hunt. That was a wonderful morning back in June. Thank you!
It was a real treat.
Beautiful and informative.Thank you.
Thanks so much Jeanne, I appreciate you saying so. Lots of treasures to be found, tides permitting.
EXCELLENT presentation!
Your feedback means a lot. It was a good morning treasure hunt, thanks for coming along, John.
Amazing set of treasures Steve, thanks for joining the hunt!
And a fine hunt it was, Tina. Thank you.
Treasures indeed! The tidepools don’t compare to your patch, much less even exist. It might be time for another trip to the coast soon. Thank you for sharing.
Er, I meant to say “The tidepools of Wisconsin.” Still early here. 🙂
Yeah, no tidepools in the Driftless Area. I’m grateful you were able to tag along on my little treasure hunt. Thank you! FYI, the hunt in my post took place on the central Oregon coast.
A treasure hunt indeed. What riches, especially for someone who, like me, doesn’t live near the sea.
Thanks for coming along on my hunt. I’m grateful you took the time to give it a look.
Your pictures are really special. Always a treat to explore them.
Beautiful! Happy weekend 🙂 🙂