Natural History Wanderings

The Guardian reports

Masses of ephemeral organisms known as ‘by-the-wind sailors’ wash up in a ‘blue tide’ on the west coast most years but warmer winter seas could be increasingly their number.

From Oregon to California, blankets of alien-like blue creatures are washing up on rocky beaches. They are Velella velella, tiny colonies of organisms with a sombrero-esque fin sticking out the top and tentacles dangling down.

Read more at  Blue, mysterious and arriving by the millions: the alien-like creatures blanketing US beaches | Environment | The Guardian