Green Sea Turtle Nesting at Dawn Mist

Pale mist rests on the dark volcanic drop-off where a green sea turtle rests on the wet sand. The creature's shell reflects the soft, diffused glow of first light, breaking through the gray haze. Fine suspended particles glitter within the shallow water column, creating a suspended field of light around the turtle's flippers. Late spring air hangs heavy over the Pacific coast near San Francisco. The shoreline curves gently away from the steep basalt cliffs. Tiny waves lap against the sand, revealing the texture of wet pebbles and the smooth, leathery surface of the turtle's skin. A cluster of seaweed lies stranded near the turtle's rear flippers, caught in the retreating tide.