When I am shelling on the beach, the rest of the world melts away. My breathing gets easier because my body loosens up and my whole outlook widens. To think of anything that is constricted about shelling seems like an oxymoron to me. Constricting and shelling are contradictory words! That’s why I was surprised to find this CONSTRICTED MACOMA mixed in with oodles of ALTERNATE TELLINS around West Gulf Dr.
This one looked so different because it looked like the sun melted one side of it. I couldn’t find a match in any of my books to identify it but MurexKen assures me it is the CONSTRICTED MACOMA. I wonder what it is so constricted about? I would have called it the MELTED MACOMA or MELTY TELLIN… but who asked me, right?
Quit constricting, MACOMA!
Relax like some of your other relatives, the ALTERNATE TELLINS…
…and like some of my buddies when we get together to enjoy just hanging out on the beach and shelling…
Nancy, Sarah, Jodi, Toni, Di, Ellen and Me
Toni had a theme going… KITTEN’S PAWS in a kitten’s paw bag.
I’ve always loved finding different bivalves, that aren’t as common as the others, like tellins! I can also relate,(even though i have to many), to collecting those double kitten paws.
I agree Pam, it looks like a melted Macoma to me. I went shelling here in Sarasota today. It was so beautiful and I found many wonderful treasures. I wish I were in Sanibel shelling as that is such a magical experience. I am as addicted to shelling as I am to this web site. Thank you so very much for all you do.
I was on Siesta a few weeks back & only found a few shells. Is there a better beach for shelling in the Sarasota area?
The Constricted Macoma is a good find for the West Gulf Drive beaches. They are relatively common on the sand bars of some of the bay areas, but do not seem to be as common in the Gulf. Nice looking group of young ladies!
Finally a picture of you – only are you on the left or right. I want to know so when I come iin April I can find you.
As always love the site.
Janet, Az
Wow! Look at all those tellins. You girls were busy.
Well, I didn’t find all of these on the same night I went with the girls. I found them all at the same time but a few nights earlier but I couldnt post until I was positive about the identification on the constricted macoma with a little help of my buddy MK
My 4th grade students and I are reading the book Junonia by Kevin Henkes and it takes place on Sanibel. Twice a week, we read your blogs and they are learning so much about shelling and the beauty of nature. I will be on Sanibel next weekend, maybe I will run into you on the beach. Thank you so much for the wonderful information.
Jewel
Jewel, Oh thats so cool your kids are learning from my blog!!! Thanks for sharing it and I hope to run into you as well.
Oh, I wish I was out there shelling with you and your friends. We’re home 2 weeks and I miss Sanibel so much. Can’t wait to come back.
Hope to run into you and Clark again on the beach when we do.
Barbara,
Long Island NY
This little shell looks alot like what I call the “smooth duck clam.” Are they related, or perhaps the same shell under a different name?
Cookie
Hobe Sound FL
Hi Cookie, You are right, It does look similar to the smooth duck clam as well as similar to the surf clam which I’m about to post. Check out my Seashell Identification page at http://www.iloveshelling.com/blog/seashell-identification/ . I’ll have the southern surf clam up in few days.
I am looking at my double white clam shell that I thought was a smooth duck clam. Just want to be sure. My shell has a very pronounced ridge along the back and is pretty sturdy. It is quite inflated when you look at it from the front. I’m sure it’s not a surf clam, but the macoma is confusing. So close! By the way, your identification page is wonderful. Thanks!
Cookie
Thank you Cookie, I am pretty proud of my seashell id page since I’ve worked so hard on it and I continually add to it when I photograph a new shell. I’m not usre you know if you click on each item, it will take you to all the posts I have mentioned each shell so you get even more photos of them or where they were found. Here’s the post for the smooth duck clam http://www.iloveshelling.com/blog/category/seashells/duck-clam/smooth-duck-clam-duck-clam/. It has a very pronounced ridge but as with the macoma, there’s no ridge, it just looks smooshed on one side. Although my smooth ducks arent so sturdy- they are quite thin and fragile.
Just caught up on your blog and as always am filled with a longing to return right now. Dont know how Im going to wait until 2013 to return. I actually get misty as I follow you along the beach. I can picture things perfectly which is really fun and more rewarding.
I cant believe Clark………how many J’s does he have now.
From our group Judith is the only one to have found that coveted shell.
Thinking of you always and so grateful for the time you give to take us on your weekly journeys.
Love from the SanibelSisters with the tweesers Linda