Lets Talk Photography
All photos by Evan Moss. Most were captured in Santa Cruz, CA and the surrounding area.
Usually I wouldn’t like these photos because you can’t see the birds’ eyes and the details are minimal, but I appreciate how dainty this duo of red-necked phalaropes looks on the glassy surface of the Pacific Ocean. I was whale watching with Stagnaro Charters and captured this about 4 miles off the coast in Santa Cruz. I didn’t expect to see such small birds so far out in the ocean.
Those are not bubbles or debris on the surface but instead velélla vejellas or by-the-wind sailors—weird ocean critters that are essentially fake jellyfish. These are commonly found washed up on the beach during certain times of the year.
Photos taken May 16, 2025 using Canon R5 Mark II + 800mm f11 prime.