===================================================
08/17/96

I was on Whidbey Island with my wife Ann Musche', on
8/3/96. There, on a sand and gravel beach near Greenbank,
we saw several rather large jellyfish, dead on the beach,
including one of radius 9 inches, and another of radius 11 inches.
They were mostly clear, with large areas of rusty red or
orangeish coloration, in approx ray-like shape. They were
about 2 or 3 inches thick.

We have seen jellyfish many times, usually velella, and always
much smaller than this. We thought maybe they were Sea Blubber,
Cyanea capillata, as described on p. 715 of Harper & Row's
_Complete field Guide to N American Wildlife_.

Does anyone in Tweeterland have any ideas about this, one way
or the other? And, possibly, suggestions of books to check,
especially for photos / illustrations?

---------------------
PS -- Yes, we saw birds -- including many crows -- has anyone
noted Ravens on Whidbey? What time of year / location? I have
expected to see them there, but so far have not. Also what about
Kestrels in this area? Have looked for them around agricultural
areas, phone wires, etc., without success, at various times of
year.

thanks for any help with any of these questions --

Alan Richards / Naselle WA 98638 / USA / alanr at orednet.org
=================================================

--