Pipefish, snake pricklebacks and eelgrass

A Snake Pipefish peeks around the eelgrass. 

I was drawn to the elegance of the Giant White Plumed Anemone, of course. And the flamboyant purple sea star and the delicate pink flowerlike sea urchin. They are all so dramatically beautiful. However, one of the most memorable moments of my visit to the aquariums inside the Breazeale Interpretive Center at Padilla Bay was when I discovered the elongated head of a seahorse on what looked like a strand of eelgrass. I learned that the pipefish isn't a type of seahorse but rather a sub family of small fish. They do belong to the same family though and the males carry their young much the same as seahorses do.  Can you see mine emerging at the left center of eelgrass, with his snout highlighted against the white anemone?

An enchanting little prickleback did his army crawl with his fins to investigate my mini palette.
I was with the Anacortes Sketchers on a sunny, 68 degree midwinter's day at Padilla Bay. 

Color Blooms in the Aquarium

Elegant beauty flowers in the aquariums at Padilla Bay

Ready for something colorful during the winter palette of blue and grey? These are but a few of my photos from my meeting with the Anacortes Sketchers today.

It seems a bit too cheerful (on a sunny, 68 degree day in the Pacific NW) when the east coast is bracing for a blizzard today. But maybe we all could use a splash of color while we wait for spring. 

I usually post my sketches of the day, but I will post them on Wednesday. You just can't compete with nature! Thanks to the Breazeale Interpretive Center for hosting us today at Bay View.