The picture shows two seals on a rocky outcrop by the sea. The water is a vibrant turquoise and is gently lapping against the rocks. The seal in the foreground is lying down, facing the camera, and appears to be resting or sunbathing. The other seal is behind it and seems to be in the process of moving, possibly about to enter the water. The rocks are brown and rugged, with some wet patches indicating the tide level. The sun is shining, creating a sparkling effect on the water's surface.
What is in the Tidepools

What’s in the Tidepools? – March 2024

The image shows a bird of prey, likely a hawk, in mid-flight against a clear blue sky. The bird is captured with its wings fully spread, showcasing a broad wingspan. The feathers are detailed with various shades of brown and white patterns. The hawk is facing forward, giving a clear view of its sharp beak and intense gaze. The tail feathers are fanned out, and the bird's legs are tucked close to its body. The photo conveys a sense of grace and power.

What’s In the Tidepools? – March 2024

(NPS Photo/P. Geisler)

Happy Spring! As the main tidepool season starts winding down, the Spring flowers start to bloom. You can also see some very cool photos that Pauline took of two Moray Eels near the tidepool entrance. There is a video as well on the Tidepools Videos page. She also captured a video of an Osprey catching a fish from the tidepools.

Here is a sampling of what our volunteers observed during this month — thank you to everyone who contributed. Remember to send in your photos; we truly appreciate sharing them with everyone.

Don’t forget to visit the Tidepool Videos page.

Keyhole Limpets were very prevalent this month in all different colors.

The picture shows a shallow body of water with clear visibility to the bottom. There is a large, oval shaped limpet submerged in the water. The shell has a pattern of concentric circles with a gradient of colors from light at the edge to dark at the center. Surrounding the creature are various rocks and marine plants, some with visible algae or moss. The water's surface reflects light, creating a rippling effect that distorts the image slightly.
NPS Photo/T. Woods
The picture shows a close-up of a wet, mossy rock surface at the edge of a body of water. There are two visible snails with pinkish shells on the rock, partially submerged in the water. The rock is covered with green moss and some brownish patches. A keyhole limpet is attached to the bottom of the rock. The water appears to be shallow with a sandy bottom, and there are a few thin, green grass-like plants in the water. The sunlight is reflecting off the wet surfaces, indicating it might be a bright day.
NPS Photo/T. Woods
The picture shows a close-up of a rock pool. In the center, there is a large, shiny black keyhole limpet with its shell partially open, revealing a glimpse of the creature inside. The limpet is surrounded by various textures and colors of rock and marine life, including barnacles and seaweed. The water is clear, allowing visibility of the sandy bottom beneath. The overall impression is of a small, vibrant ecosystem on a rocky shoreline.
NPS Photo/T. Woods
The picture shows a close-up of a tide pool with clear water. There is a creature that resembles a keyhole limpet. The body of the creature is not fully visible, but what can be seen is pale, possibly beige or light brown, with a smooth texture. The surrounding area is rocky with patches of green algae and other marine plants. There's also a small pinkish organism, which could be a nudibranchl, near the bottom of the image. The sunlight is reflecting off the water's surface, creating a bright, shimmering effect.
NPS Photo/D. Hunt
The image shows a close-up of a sea snail shell on a rocky surface, possibly in a tide pool. The shell has a spiral design, with layers of color ranging from dark brown at the outer edge to a pale beige towards the center. The center of the spiral is capped with a circular, greenish-gray operculum with concentric rings. The surrounding rocks are covered with patches of algae and barnacles. There's a small, pink, round object, which could be another sea creature or a pebble, to the right of the shell. The water is clear, allowing visibility of the textures on the rocks and the shell.
NPS Photo/D. Orr

Moray Eels near the tidepool entrance.

The image shows a tide pool with clear water. There's a brownish eel with white spots peeking out from the bottom left corner. The pool is surrounded by various marine plants, including brown kelp with long, strap-like fronds and air bladders, and red and pink algae. On the right side of the pool, there's a single orange brick partially submerged. The bottom of the pool is covered with small, smooth stones.
NPS Photo/P. Geisler
The image shows a rock pool by the sea. There are various marine elements visible: - Seaweed in shades of brown and yellow, some with bubble-like structures - Pinkish-red coral-like growths on the rocks - Clear pool water revealing smooth, rounded stones at the bottom - A brick lying partially submerged in the water - The water is calm, and there's a sense of tranquility in the scene
NPS Photo/P. Geisler
The picture shows a clear pool of water surrounded by various marine elements. There are two prominent eel-like creatures with a mottled brown skin, visible in the clear blue water. The pool is edged with pinkish-red seaweed and brown kelp with air bladders. There's a rusty, orange rectangular object, possibly a piece of debris, submerged in the water. The bottom of the pool is covered with pebbles and the water appears to be shallow.
NPS Photo/P. Geisler
The picture shows a rock pool by the sea. The water is clear, revealing smooth pebbles at the bottom. A variety of seaweed in shades of brown and yellow borders the pool. There's a large rock overhanging on the top left, covered with pink and red sea anemones. Underneath this rock, partially hidden in shadow, is a small fish with a mottled brown body. On the right side of the pool, there's a rusty, orange cylindrical object, possibly a piece of man-made debris. The overall scene is a mix of natural marine life and a hint of human impact.
NPS Photo/P. Geisler
The image shows a tide pool with clear water. There's a large octopus in the center, nestled in a small cave-like indentation under a rock overhang covered with pinkish-red sea life. Surrounding the pool are brownish-yellow seaweeds with bulbous floats. On the right, there's a rusty, orange cylindrical object, possibly man-made debris, partially submerged in the water. The overall scene is a mix of natural marine life and a hint of human impact.
NPS Photo/P. Geisler
The image shows a rock pool by the sea. The pool is surrounded by various marine elements. On the left, there's a cluster of brownish-yellow seaweed with long, slender leaves. The top of the pool is bordered by a rocky overhang covered in pinkish-red seaweed. Inside the pool, there's a large, dark brown catshark resting at the bottom, its body curving slightly. The water is clear, revealing smooth pebbles on the pool's floor. On the right side of the pool, partially submerged, lies a long, orange, cylindrical object, resembling a piece of man-made debris. The overall scene captures a small, natural marine habitat with a glimpse of human impact.
NPS Photo/P. Geisler

Harbor Seals and pups are often seen along the Coastal Trail.

The picture shows two seals on a rocky outcrop by the sea. The water is a vibrant turquoise and is gently lapping against the rocks. The seal in the foreground is lying down, facing the camera, and appears to be resting or sunbathing. The other seal is behind it and seems to be in the process of moving, possibly about to enter the water. The rocks are brown and rugged, with some wet patches indicating the tide level. The sun is shining, creating a sparkling effect on the water's surface.
NPS Photo/P. Geisler
The picture shows a cityscape viewed from a high vantage point. In the foreground, there is a hill covered with green shrubbery. Beyond the hill, an airport with multiple runways and buildings is visible. The middle ground is dominated by the airport's expanse. In the background, a dense collection of high-rise buildings forms the city's downtown area. The sky is overcast with clouds hanging low, partially obscuring the tops of the tallest skyscrapers. The overall color palette is muted with greys, blues, and greens, suggesting a cloudy or overcast day.
NPS Photo/A. Miller
The picture shows a landscape view with a focus on a flying airplane. The airplane is centered in the upper part of the image, slightly to the right. Below the airplane, there is a vast cityscape with numerous buildings spread out. The city is bordered by water on the right side, where several boats are docked. In the background, there are rolling hills partially obscured by clouds or mist. The foreground is slightly blurred with what appears to be leaves from a tree obstructing the very top and bottom of the view. The overall colors are muted with a blue-gray overcast sky.
NPS Photo/A. Miller
The image shows a close-up of a plant with delicate white flowers and green leaves. The flowers have a simple structure with four small petals and are clustered together on thin stems that branch out from the main plant. The leaves are a mix of shapes, some with smooth edges and others with more jagged edges, giving a slightly wild and natural appearance. The background is a blend of greenery and some dry, brown earth, suggesting the plant is growing in a natural, possibly outdoor setting.
NPS Photo/D. Wieder
The image shows a close-up of a dense cluster of wildflowers and greenery. The flowers are small with vibrant purple petals and a lighter purple to pinkish hue near the center. They have a delicate appearance with five rounded petals each. The green leaves are oval-shaped and appear to be a mix of dark and light green shades. Interspersed among the flowers and leaves are some dry, brown grasses and seed pods that add a touch of wilderness to the scene. The overall impression is of a natural, untamed growth of wildflowers in their natural habitat.
NPS Photo/D. Wieder
The picture shows a close-up view of a weathered concrete structure with visible signs of erosion and decay. The top part of the structure has a rough, uneven surface with patches of lichen or moss. Below this, there are rusted metal sheets, possibly reinforcements, that are exposed and bending downwards due to deterioration. The ground in front of the structure is muddy with traces of water, indicating recent rain or proximity to a water body.
NPS Photo/A. Miller
The image shows a close-up of a plant with delicate, compound leaves and a cluster of pale yellow flowers. The leaves are green with a feathery appearance, consisting of small, oval leaflets arranged in pairs along a central stem. The flowers are arranged in an upright, elongated cluster, each individual bloom hanging downwards, with a soft, creamy yellow color. The background is a mix of greenery, suggesting a lush, natural setting.
NPS Photo/D. Wieder
The image shows a natural landscape with a variety of greenery. In the foreground, there are bright yellow flowers blooming among green shrubs and plants. The middle ground is dominated by dense green foliage, with some plants having rounded leaves. In the background, there is a hill with more greenery and a clear sky above with some scattered white clouds. To the right, there is a glimpse of a sandy cliff and a tall metal structure, possibly a tower or pole, on the hilltop. The overall impression is of a vibrant, lush coastal or hillside environment.
NPS Photo/D. Wieder
The picture shows a vibrant yellow flower with numerous petals radiating from the center. The center of the flower is a darker yellow with a pattern that resembles a cluster of tiny florets. The flower is in sharp focus against a blurred background of greenery and some dry, brown grass or twigs, giving the impression of a natural, wild setting. The overall mood is fresh and lively, highlighting the beauty of a single flower in its natural environment.
NPS Photo/D. Wieder
The image shows a vibrant sea creature, likely a nudibranch, in its natural underwater habitat. The creature has a soft, elongated body with a striking color pattern. The main body color is a deep purple or blue, and it's adorned with numerous bright orange and white-tipped appendages that resemble a mohawk running down its back. These appendages are likely cerata, which are used for respiration and defense. The nudibranch is surrounded by sandy seabed, some green seaweed, and other less distinguishable marine elements. The water appears clear, allowing for a good view of the creature and its surroundings.
NPS Photo/D. Wieder
The picture shows a close-up of a single green pod hanging from a plant. The pod appears plump and has a smooth surface with a visible seam running vertically down its middle. It is shaped like a teardrop with a pointed tip at the bottom where a tiny brownish curl, resembling a small hook or tail, emerges. The background is blurred with hints of greenery, suggesting the pod is in a garden or a plant-rich environment.
NPS Photo/D. Wieder
The picture shows a close-up of vibrant yellow flowers with four delicate petals each, blooming amidst green foliage. The petals have a slightly darker yellow hue at the base, which fades into a lighter yellow towards the edges. The center of each flower has a group of small, intricate stamens. The greenery surrounding the flowers is a mix of different shapes of leaves, some round and some more elongated, creating a lush backdrop for the bright yellow blooms. The sunlight casts a warm glow on the scene, highlighting the vivid colors and the fresh, natural setting.
NPS Photo/D. Wieder
The picture shows a close-up of vibrant yellow flowers with a soft-focus background. The flowers have four delicate petals each and are nestled among green leaves. In the distance, the blue sea under a clear sky creates a serene backdrop. The sunlight enhances the vivid colors of the flora and the ocean.
NPS Photo/D. Wieder
The image shows a bright red warning sign in the foreground that reads "DANGER UNSTABLE ROOF PLEASE KEEP OFF" in bold white letters. Behind the sign, there is a green, rusted metal structure that appears to be the unstable roof mentioned in the sign. The structure is surrounded by a rope barrier attached to wooden posts. In the background, there is a hill covered with greenery and a clear blue sky above.
NPS Photo/D. Wieder
The image shows a clear underwater scene with several large lobsters. The lobsters have a dark, mottled brown and black coloring with long, prominent antennae and spiny legs. They are resting among rocks and pebbles that are also submerged. The water appears calm, and there is a hint of sunlight reflecting off the surface, suggesting this is a shallow area, possibly a tide pool. The rocks vary in color from light grey to dark brown and have patches of barnacles on them.
NPS Photo/D. Orr
The picture shows a crab on a sandy bottom with some rocks and seaweed around. The crab is dark in color, possibly brown or reddish-brown, and is partially submerged in clear, shallow water. The sunlight is reflecting off the water, creating a dappled effect on the sand and the crab. The surrounding rocks have a greenish hue, likely due to algae or moss, and the seaweed is a mix of green and brown colors.
NPS Photo/D. Orr
The image shows a close-up of a tide pool. There are various textures and colors present. The tide pool is surrounded by rocks and marine vegetation. The vegetation is mostly in shades of brown and green, with some parts looking wet and glistening. In the water, there is a visible sea creature that resembles a chiton with a segmented shell, nestled against the rock. The water is clear, allowing a view of the sandy bottom beneath. The overall impression is of a small, vibrant ecosystem at the edge of the sea.
NPS Photo/D. Orr
The image shows a rocky crevice filled with sea life. On the left, there is bright green seaweed, and on the right, the rocks are covered with purple and pink barnacles. In the center, there is a small pool of water reflecting the sunlight. An abalone is in the center, and there are a few hermit crabs with greyish shells scattered around. The overall impression is of a vibrant, small ecosystem thriving in a tidal rock pool.
NPS Photo/D. Orr
The picture shows a translucent, oval-shaped object with a distinctive pattern. It appears to be underwater, resting on a surface that is a mix of sandy and rocky textures. The object has a series of white, bead-like structures aligned in the center, encased in a reddish-pink outline that gives it a segmented look. The surrounding area has patches of green, likely algae or aquatic plants, and the water's surface reflects light, creating a slightly blurry effect.
NPS Photo/D. Hunt
The picture shows a tide pool with clear water reflecting the sky. There are several bright red crabs with visible under the water, clinging to the rocks. The rocks are covered with various marine plants and algae in shades of brown and green. The water is calm, and the overall scene is serene and natural.
NPS Photo/D. Orr
The picture shows a close-up of a tide pool with various marine life and vegetation. There is a large, oval-shaped abalone in the water. The rock is surrounded by brown and reddish seaweed or algae with thin, branching structures. The water appears clear, and the bottom of the pool is visible with some submerged rocks and marine growth. The sunlight is bright, indicating it might be a sunny day.
NPS Photo/D. Hunt
The image shows a close-up of a marine environment, likely a tide pool. There is a large, oval-shaped abalone with a ridged shell, nestled among rocks and marine flora. The shell has a mix of brown and white colors with some barnacles attached to it. The surrounding area includes wet rocks, some covered with small, reddish-brown seaweed. The shellfish is partially under a ledge, suggesting it is in a crevice or sheltered spot within the tide pool.
NPS Photo/D. Hunt
The image shows a rock pool with clear water. On one side, there's a cluster of marine life attached to a rock. The cluster is teeming with various small shells, pebbles, and sea creatures. In the center, there's a sea anemone with its tentacles partially extended, surrounded by the shells and pebbles. The sunlight is reflecting off the water, giving a shimmering effect. The rock surfaces around the pool appear wet and are likely slippery.
NPS Photo/D. Hunt
NPS Photo/D. Hunt
The picture shows a close-up of a plant with a cluster of budding flowers. The buds are tightly packed together in a dome shape, with several small yellow flowers beginning to bloom at the top. Each yellow flower has a bright, circular center. The buds are light green with hints of white and are covered in fine, fuzzy hairs. The background is blurred but suggests a setting with more greenery, likely other plants or leaves.
NPS Photo/M. Rose
The image shows a natural scene with a dirt path leading through a field of wildflowers. In the foreground, there's a bright yellow flower with a large bloom, surrounded by green foliage and some unopened flower buds. A white sign with black and red text is placed to the right of the path, reading "Cabrillo" at the top and "Please do not pick the flowers." below. The background features a hill with patches of greenery and more yellow flowers scattered around. The sky is overcast, giving the scene a soft, diffused light.
NPS Photo/M. Rose
The image shows a close-up of vibrant purple flowers with five petals each. The petals have a slightly ruffled appearance. In the center of the flowers, there are prominent yellow stamens that stand out against the purple. The flowers are surrounded by green leaves and some unopened buds covered in fine hairs, which give them a fuzzy texture. The background is a mix of greenery and some dry grass, slightly blurred.
NPS Photo/M. Rose
The image shows an insect with a distinctive appearance. It has two bright orange, fuzzy segments - likely its thorax and abdomen. The head is not clearly visible. Its legs are black and slender, contrasting with the orange body. The insect is positioned on the ground, which is a mix of sand and small pebbles, with some dry, thin twigs scattered around. The focus is on the insect, making the background details slightly blurred.
NPS Photo/M. Rose
The picture shows a coastal scene with a steep, eroded cliffside leading down to a beach. The ocean is visible with waves crashing onto the shore. Vegetation is growing on the cliff, with a notable patch of bright orange plants amidst the greenery. A wooden staircase can be seen on the left, partially hidden by the foliage, providing a path down to the beach. A metal railing runs along the edge of the cliff for safety. The sky is overcast, suggesting a cool or windy day.
NPS Photo/M. Rose
The picture shows a close-up of vibrant purple flowers with delicate petals, each with a cluster of bright yellow stamens at the center. The flowers are surrounded by green leaves and some unopened flower buds that have a hint of purple. The buds and stems have a fine fuzz on them. The background is a mix of greenery and some dry, brown plant material, which is slightly out of focus.
NPS Photo/M. Rose
The picture shows a plant with a unique fruit or pod hanging from it. The pod is bright green, oval-shaped, and covered in soft-looking spiky protrusions all over its surface. It's attached to the plant by a thin stem, and there's a delicate, curly tendril next to it. The leaves of the plant are green with a heart-like shape and a slightly wrinkled texture. The background is a mix of dry, brownish twigs and some green foliage, suggesting a natural, outdoor setting.
NPS Photo/M. Rose
The picture shows a small bird standing on the ground. The bird has a mix of white, black, and brown feathers. It has distinctive white stripes on its head with a black stripe running through the eyes and a white throat. The ground is a mix of dirt and sparse vegetation, with a few dry leaves scattered around. There is a blurred edge at the bottom, suggesting a close boundary like a curb or low wall.
NPS Photo/M. Rose
The image captures a bird of prey, likely a hawk, in the midst of taking flight from a sloped, rocky terrain. The hawk's wings are spread wide, showcasing a beautiful pattern of brown and white feathers. The ground is covered with small rocks and sparse greenery, and the backdrop is a clear blue sky. The bird's focused gaze and powerful wing movement convey a sense of determination and grace.
NPS Photo/P. Geisler
The image shows a vibrant sea creature known as a nudibranch, specifically the Spanish Shawl variety, in its natural underwater habitat. The nudibranch has a deep purple body with a velvety texture and is adorned with numerous bright orange cerata, which are appendage-like structures on its back that resemble a mohawk. It's crawling on a rocky surface covered with various marine plants and small pebbles. The surrounding area has patches of pinkish coral-like formations and some dark green algae, creating a colorful underwater scene.
NPS Photo/T. Woods
The image shows a close-up of a rocky, wet surface with various textures and colors. There are patches of brownish-green seaweed and small pools of water reflecting light. In the center, there is a circular hole in the rock, partially filled with water, revealing a chiton, with pinkish and white tones on its shell. The surrounding rock has shades of yellow, brown, and gray with some areas covered in dark, wet seaweed.
NPS Photo/T. Woods
The image shows a close-up of a rock pool. The pool is oval-shaped and appears to be a natural formation in a grey rock. Inside the pool, there is a collection of small, colorful pebbles and sand, with hues of orange, white, pink, and brown. Partially submerged in the sand at the bottom of the pool is a sea creature that resembles a sea anemone or a piece of coral, with a pattern of pink and white stripes. The surrounding rock surface has some marine life attached to it, including small barnacles and algae. The overall impression is of a small, tranquil rock pool teeming with tiny marine life, a micro-habitat carved by the forces of nature.
NPS Photo/P. Geisler
The image shows a close-up view of a tide pool. In the center, there is a white sea creature that resembles a small underwater pine tree or a soft coral with delicate, feathery branches. It stands out against the darker, mottled background of brownish-red seaweed and various shades of green algae. The water appears clear, allowing a view of the sandy and pebbly bottom. Sunlight seems to be filtering through the water, creating a bright, natural illumination.
NPS Photo/T. Woods
The picture shows a shallow body of water with clear visibility to the sandy bottom. There is a sea urchin with long, dark spines centered in the image. Surrounding the sea urchin are various textures and colors of underwater vegetation and rocks. The sunlight reflects off the water's surface, creating a shimmering effect.
NPS Photo/T. Woods
The picture shows a vibrant sea creature, likely a nudibranch, on a rocky underwater surface. The nudibranch has a soft, elongated body with a gradient of colors from a deep purple at the head, transitioning to a lighter purple and then to a bright orange towards the tail. Its back is adorned with numerous orange gills that stand out like a mohawk, and it has two distinct orange-tipped antennae on its head. The surrounding area is covered with small, pinkish-brown sea anemones and various marine growths, creating a textured and colorful seabed. The water appears clear, and there are small particles visible in the water, suggesting a natural, active marine environment.
NPS Photo/T. Woods
The image shows a sea anemone nestled in a rock pool. The anemone is open, displaying its radial symmetry with a multitude of greyish tentacles surrounding a central mouth. The tentacles have a soft, almost feathery appearance. The rock around it is covered with patches of seaweed and small marine organisms, creating a textured mosaic of browns, greens, and whites. The water is clear, allowing a view of the sandy bottom speckled with bits of debris and small rocks.
NPS Photo/T. Woods
The picture shows a sea star submerged in shallow water. The water is clear, allowing a view of the sandy bottom speckled with small stones and shell fragments. The sea star is centered in the image, with its arms spread out. It appears to be on a slight slope where the water meets the sand, with some green aquatic plants visible to the left side of the frame. The sunlight seems to be reflecting off the water's surface, creating a sparkling effect around the sea star.
NPS Photo/T. Woods
The image shows a close-up of a small, wet crevice between rocks. The rocks are covered with a thin layer of what appears to be moss or algae, giving them a reddish-brown and greenish hue. There's a noticeable presence of moisture, possibly from recent rain or a water source nearby. In the crevice, there is a small, partially visible creature that resembles a crab. Its shell is a blend of tan and dark brown, and it seems to be tucked away in the shadows of the rocks, possibly for shelter or protection.
NPS Photo/T. Woods
The picture shows a serene coastal scene. The foreground features clear, shallow waters with visible underwater vegetation and rocks scattered throughout. A single white egret stands gracefully in the water, adding a touch of life to the scene. Large rocks, covered in barnacles and moss, emerge from the water, hinting at the tidal nature of the area. The background reveals a calm sea meeting a cloudy sky, with the horizon barely distinguishable due to the misty conditions. The overall mood is peaceful and natural, with a sense of quiet isolation.
NPS Photo/T. Woods
The image shows a sea star submerged in shallow water. The sea star is bright orange and has five arms, with its texture appearing slightly bumpy. It's surrounded by various marine plants, including long green seagrass and darker seaweed. The water is clear, allowing a view of the sandy bottom speckled with small stones and shells. Some sunlight is reflecting off the water's surface, creating a dappled light effect.
NPS Photo/T. Woods
The picture shows a shallow body of water with a clear view of the rocky bottom. There isa sea hare partially submerged in the water, creating a natural mosaic of earthy colors. The water appears calm, and there's a visible shadow of a person cast on the water's surface, suggesting the presence of someone standing nearby. The edges of the water body are lined with what looks like seaweed or marine plants, adding a touch of green and brown to the scene.
NPS Photo/T. Woods

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