Starfish stalkers beware: The sea stars are sick of us. They think it’s creepy when we stick our faces out over the water and stare at them. In fact, rare sea star recordings, which were later translated by a team of marine linguists—and then buried in my backyard and discovered by me—reveal that we are like monsters to them:
Original Transcript: Blurg burt gargle. Oozzle phooph poppity zip. Unsulf dlooper phooph zip poppity. Indif burpple zoomgoggle nip nop. Oomter zozzle whoopity. . . whopfit zoompf. Whoopity whopfit nonnerflooful!
Translation: I’ve seen them. They just pop their faces out over the edge of the pier, and look at us with wide, terrifying eyes. I nearly lose my sea star lunch, every time I see them and now, it’s even worse. You can’t see their lips moving or anything. Half their faces are covered by some kind of cloth. If they’re close enough, they’ll extend two pointy extremities and. . . and. . . touch you. They haunt me in my dreams. I can’t remember the last time I’ve slept!
For this reason, and probably many others, the starfish were not out when Nate, Alex, and I visited the City of Edmonds park and pier Sunday morning. Snohomish County is right smack in the middle of Phase 1. We can move about outdoors or visit dentists’ offices—or get as much elective surgery as we want. (“Make me look perpetually surprised,” I’ll tell my doctor). However, most everything else is still closed, except for grocery stores and restaurants for take-out/delivery. And that’s just fine with me for now. Except, I’d really like to see some starfish, but I think they are social distancing—from us, not each other.
Usually, when we walk along the pier, we look over the railing and see lots of fuzzy mossy rocks. Then, we might see just a little squiggle of a line. Maybe it’s orange or yellow or white. Then, we follow the line to see if it makes more lines in the shape of a star. The star might be squished somewhat or slowly creeping along the underside of a rock, but when we see it, we jump up and down and shout:
“Found it! Found it!”
The people around us are usually hoping to spot orcas, so when we get excited and jump around, we cause a lot of disappointment for a lot of people.
“Oh, a sea star. Good for you,” they usually say as they walk away.
Well, I’d like to see an orca too. I’d like to see an entire pod of orcas, but a random starfish is something pretty spectacular for us folks from Ohio.
Today, though we did not spot any starfish, we did see a little harbor seal. Here’s its picture. I know it doesn’t look like much, but trust me, that little dot is the head of a harbor seal.
If I could remember anything from my high school marine language class, I’d ask that seal where the starfish are, but I have a few theories of my own:
–They are cartwheeling through empty museum galleries as part of an enrichment program for sea animals during lockdown.
–They are chaperoning penguins as they explore an aquarium.
–Someone gave them sidewalk chalk and they’re marking up the bottoms of boats in the marina.
–They’re peering over our beds at night and poking us to see what we feel like.
Reaction in Original Sea Star Language: Urk! Blopping bonfil narting!
Translation: Ew! They’re so dry!
Your Turn: What do you hope to spot/see when you go out on a walk?
Fixin' Leaks and Leeks 
I’d love to swim with Orcas. They are my favourite sea mammal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are my favorite too. I’m hoping to see at least one at some point. However, if I were actually in the water with them, I think I would freak out–they are big up close!
LikeLiked by 1 person
For no sensible reason, I’d feel safer with them than with sharks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, yes–I’d have to agree with you there. I saw a video in which a group of orcas killed a great white shark–and wow! Orcas are so smart and skilled.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quietly powerful and smart. Perfect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope to see a mole that my dog hasn’t killed on a previous walk.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! My husband photographs and texts every kill to our daughter, her husband, and me. Groan . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha! 😀 I love your starfish script.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I’ve had a lot of time on my hands during lockdown to learn new languages, so . . . 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
continue to stay delightful. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much–I always enjoy your visits:)
LikeLike
Our town is being taken over by creatures and critters. So far on my allowed daily exercise time I’ve seen two squirrels and a deer 🙂 Despite living by the sea, I’ve only seen a starfish once. I think they really are in hiding!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are seeing more wildlife around here too. It’s lots of fun. Yes, I think the starfish really are hiding!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like you have a wonderful area for walking! When I go for a walk, if I see a colorful bird or a bunny, I’m happy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes–it’s nice if you arrive early, before the crowds get there. Colorful birds and bunnies are great things to see on a walk:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not orcas, but I have heard that in places where people used to swim with dolphins, the dolphins are missing the people so much that they are send gifts to shore in hopes that they will come back to play. And probably to feed them. So they like us better than starfish at least 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s amazing! I hadn’t heard of that before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You make me think of the starfishes I saw in Cuba
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always such a treat to be able to spot something new:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d love to live somewhere where I could see dolphins, but we always get a thrill when we’re out driving and see any deer. The other day I saw a group of about 5 standing on a hill. It was very cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deer are awesome to spot–and five at one time–wow! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I got a picture but they were so far away!
LikeLiked by 1 person