Some photo adventures don’t go as planned, but they still surprise you in the best ways. On a rainy day that most would consider ideal for staying indoors, I jumped in my car with one mission: to find a blue-teal winged duck. These elusive beauties had been spotted in a local marina, and I was determined to track them down. Little did I know, the day would unfold into something far more magical.
As I arrived, the rain wasn’t the only thing greeting me. The marina’s bay was alive—not with ducks, but with thousands of white jellyfish called Moon Jellies or Genus Aurelia. They drifted like delicate clouds beneath the water's surface, their gentle pulsations mesmerizing. I stood there, awestruck, marveling at the sheer number of them. I had never seen anything like it.
As I marveled at the thousands of moon jellyfish drifting gracefully in the marina, I reflected on their important role in the ecosystem. These mesmerizing creatures help regulate plankton populations, serving as both predators and prey. While they feed on tiny aquatic organisms, they also provide a vital food source for larger marine animals like sea turtles and fish, contributing to the delicate balance of life in the marina. Despite their stinging cells, moon jellyfish are generally harmless to humans, as their sting is mild and often imperceptible. Their presence added an unexpected layer of beauty to my rainy day adventure.
Interesting Facts
Short Lifespan: In the wild, moon jellyfish typically live for less than a year. However, in controlled environments like aquariums, they can live longer.
No Brain or Heart: Like all jellyfish, moon jellyfish lack a brain, heart, and central nervous system. They rely on a simple nerve net to respond to stimuli.
Bioluminescence: Moon jellyfish can exhibit a faint bioluminescent glow in the dark, which adds to their mesmerizing beauty.
While soaking in this unexpected wonder, I heard it—a familiar, rapid call. The Kingfisher! My excitement surged, but no matter how hard I searched, I couldn’t see him. I made a mental note to keep listening and turned my focus back to my original goal.
As I scanned the water, movement caught my eye. A few ducks! Quickly, I snapped a few photos before they paddled away. To my surprise, they weren’t the blue-teal winged ducks I was hunting but Goldeneye ducks. The Goldeneye ducks I spotted gliding across the bay, often seen in pairs or small groups, seemed entirely unfazed by the countless moon jellyfish surrounding them.
These resilient diving ducks are well-adapted to foraging in diverse aquatic environments and primarily feed on small aquatic creatures and vegetation, not jellyfish. Their ease and grace amidst the floating jellies highlighted their adaptability and added a sense of calm to the bustling marina ecosystem. The male Goldeneye duck, in particular was a striking sight, his bold black-and-white plumage perfectly accentuating his vibrant golden eye. The contrast of his dark head and bright eye gave him an almost regal appearance, standing out vividly against the muted tones of the rainy marina. His sharp, elegant colors made him an unforgettable subject amidst the day's discoveries.
Among the thousands of moon jellyfish drifting in the marina bay, I spotted a lone female Bufflehead duck diving gracefully for food, completely unbothered by the sea of jellies around her. I managed to capture several photos of her, her black-and-white plumage beautifully contrasted against the vibrant red and white reflections of a nearby marina home. The colors in the photo added an unexpected brilliance to the scene, making her quiet presence even more remarkable. It wasn’t what I had come for, but I was thrilled nonetheless.
"When we slow down and simply observe, nature reveals its quiet wonders—moments of beauty and connection that we might otherwise miss in the rush of life."
Determined, I kept circling the bay in the rain, the Kingfisher’s call teasing me in the background. Eventually, I wandered down a long public access dock to see if I could spot anything further out on the water. That’s when I encountered a curious squirrel. He froze, watching me with an expression that could only be described as, “Got anything for me?” Or perhaps, “What are you looking at?” I couldn’t help but chuckle at his boldness.
Further along, I did a double take—a log floating in the water looked just like an alligator! Someone had cleverly carved it, and I couldn’t help but admire the humor.
Nearby, I spotted a few Bufflehead ducks, but they were too far away for any decent photos. I stood at the dock’s edge, pondering my luck, when two harbor seals popped up. They peered at me inquisitively, as if to say, “Got fish?” Their curiosity was contagious, and I laughed, wondering if I was more of a spectacle to them than they were to me.
As I turned to head back, a seagull landed on a nearby private dock, fixing me with a knowing stare. It felt as though all the wildlife had decided to observe me that day, as if asking, “What are you doing here?”
Then it happened—the moment I’d been hoping for. The Kingfisher’s call rang out again, sharp and clear. Suddenly, he darted across the marina, landing briefly on a sailboat mast before taking off again. I found myself humming a tune, “Come on, Kingfisher, give me a picture; I know you want to,” when, as if on cue, he landed not far from the seagull. I froze, heart pounding, as I snapped away.
He sat there, completely unbothered yet fully aware of my presence. I crept closer, slowly and carefully, until I was about five feet away (as close as the dock would allow). His spiky head feathers reminded me of Kiefer Sutherland’s messy hair, and in that moment, my Aunt named him Kiefer Kingfisher. As if he’d heard us, he took off to the trees with a flourish, leaving me grinning from ear to ear. I whispered a heartfelt thank you to my new feathered friend.
Marinas provide an ideal fishing ground for kingfishers, offering a steady supply of small fish attracted to the sheltered waters and structures. The calm bays and docks create perfect perches for these agile hunters to scan the water before making their swift, precise dives. Their presence highlights the marina's role as a thriving micro-ecosystem supporting both marine life and their avian predators.
Just as I was about to leave, a tiny silhouette caught my eye a hummingbird! Against the rainy backdrop, it appeared only as an outline, but its presence added the perfect finishing touch to an already incredible day.
Did you know?
Marinas can provide a protected home for hummingbirds, offering sheltered perches and access to nearby flowering plants in landscaped areas. These adaptable birds thrive alongside other wildlife, such as kingfishers, creating a unique harmony in this shared habitat. The marina becomes a haven where diverse species coexist, each finding what they need to survive and flourish in this bustling, human-made ecosystem.
This small marina, teeming with life even in the rain, reminded me why I venture out in all weather. Nature has a way of surprising us when we least expect it, turning ordinary places into extraordinary experiences. Rain or shine, there's always something magical waiting to be discovered—whether it’s the graceful dive of a duck, the call of a kingfisher, or the delicate beauty of jellyfish. By embracing the elements, we open ourselves to the wonders of the natural world, proving that a little rain should never stop us from enjoying all that nature has to offer.
Most interesting,as always