Creatures of Tacoma BY TALIA LEFFEL
Barred Owl, Strix varia Point Defiance Park, 2020
Barred owls are often perched in the lower and middle branches of large trees. They range from 16 to 23 inches tall with a 38 to 45 inch wingspan. Although they are native to Washington they can also be found in Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia and parts of California. They can be very territorial so if you see one make sure you give them their space (this photo is zoomed in). They are truly amazing creatures (1).
Purple Shore Crab, Hemigrapsus nudus
Titlow Beach March, 15th, 2023
Although this crab is purple, shore crabs come in many different shapes and sizes and change as they grow. This one was found under a rock near the shoreline but they can also be found under water. Shore crabs have gills that only have to stay moist for them to be able to breath on land. If you flip over a rock to see one make sure to put the rock back (2). Orange Sea Cucumber, Cucumaria miniata Titlow Beach ,February 2023
Although you cannot see the whole thing, this is a glimpse of the orange sea cucumber, 1 of 8 species important to the puget sound. They can be found in ranging depths but also in tide pools and on rocks just like this one. They range in size and color but can get up to 20 cm. A weird fact about these guys is when threatened they throw up their guts and regrow them later (3).
ELEMENTS | 24
