I grew up on the Maine coast and spent a lot of my childhood exploring tidal pools. What I found were usually hermit crabs, marine worms, barnacles, and mermaid’s purses. The saltwater diversity in those tiny habitats was amazing and strongly inspired my lifelong love of nature.
Fast forward a bunch of years and I live on a brook. This freshwater version is wonderful too. I’m surprised at some of the critters I find.