I absolutely love starfish. I find them facinating and beautiful. Over the last few years there has been a virus that has devastated the stea star population along the pacific coast. Even a mere 4 years ago, the tidal zone had many in plain sight. Now you have to hunt for them. The population is coming back but very slowly.
Yesterday I found this one and it is thriving. I couldn't help but paint it. The arms were strong and full of color as it waited for the incoming tide. It is easy to forget how fragile the balance in nature is. As the ocean temperature changes--in recent years the pacific coastal waters and warmed--even the small creatures are impacted. I am very happy to see our sea star friends making a comeback.
