At the edge of the majestic ocean on the Pacific west coast endless tides shift back and forth twice every day The ocean is always moving drawn by the forces of the moon and sun At high tide the sea is near splashing over the rocks and sand At low tide the ocean retreats and a beautiful beach is revealed Between the ebb and flow of the tides lies the intertidal zone where a remarkable community of creatures thrives in a home of ever-changing conditions
Ochre Sea Star Brightly colored sea stars often live in tidepools small pools of water left in hollow spots as the tide recedes A sea star crawls on tiny tube feet to hunt mussels barnacles and snails If one of its arms is torn off by a hungry gull it will grow a new one Sea stars soak up water tuck into a crevice or move down to keep from drying out at low tide
