California golden gorgonian and small juvenile sheephead fishes on rocky reef, below kelp forest, underwater. The golden gorgonian is a filter-feeding temperate colonial species that lives on the rocky bottom at depths between 50 to 200 feet deep. Each individual polyp is a distinct animal, together they secrete calcium that forms the structure of the colony. Gorgonians are oriented at right angles to prevailing water currents to capture plankton drifting by.
Species: California golden gorgonian, Muricea californica
Location: San Clemente Island, California
Image ID: 37057
California golden gorgonian, Garibaldi and Sheephead wrasse fishes on rocky reef, below kelp forest, underwater. The golden gorgonian is a filter-feeding temperate colonial species that lives on the rocky bottom at depths between 50 to 200 feet deep. Each individual polyp is a distinct animal, together they secrete calcium that forms the structure of the colony. Gorgonians are oriented at right angles to prevailing water currents to capture plankton drifting by.
Species: California golden gorgonian, California sheephead wrasse, Garibaldi, Hypsypops rubicundus, Muricea californica, Semicossyphus pulcher
Location: San Clemente Island, California
Image ID: 30922
A Brandt's Cormorant tends to its built on sea cliffs. Note the colors it assumes during mating season: striking blue gular pouch (throat) along with faint blue-green iridescence in its plumage.
Species: Brandt's cormorant, Phalacrocorax penicillatus
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 40140
The Preacher and the Pulpit, a pair of freestanding sandstone columns in the Temple of Sinawava, are surrounded by cottonwoods with their deep green spring foliage. Zion Canyon.
Location: Zion National Park, Utah
Image ID: 12501
Cottonwoods with their deep green spring foliage contrast with the rich red Navaho sandstone cliffs of Zion Canyon.
Location: Zion National Park, Utah
Image ID: 12509
Banded iguana, male. The bands of color on the male of this species change from green to either blue, grey or black, depending on mood. Females are usually solid green, ocassionally with blue spots or a few narrow bands.
Species: Banded iguana, Brachylophus fasciatus
Image ID: 12612
Soda Springs Basin in Canyonlands National Park, snow covered mesas and canyons, with the Green River far below, not far from its confluence with the Colorado River. Island in the Sky.
Location: Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Image ID: 18093
California golden gorgonian and small juvenile sheephead fishes on rocky reef, below kelp forest, underwater. The golden gorgonian is a filter-feeding temperate colonial species that lives on the rocky bottom at depths between 50 to 200 feet deep. Each individual polyp is a distinct animal, together they secrete calcium that forms the structure of the colony. Gorgonians are oriented at right angles to prevailing water currents to capture plankton drifting by.
Species: California golden gorgonian, Muricea californica, Semicossyphus pulcher
Location: San Clemente Island, California
Image ID: 23421
Soda Springs Basin from Green River Overlook, Island in the Sky, Canyonlands National Park, Utah.
Location: Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Image ID: 27840