This past weekend we drove 35 minutes from Sanibel to Little Hickory Beach in Bonita Springs, Florida in search of seashells.
Walking north to the pass from the public parking lot (a bargain price of $2 for 2 hours) only took about 15 minutes to find loads of FIGHTING CONCHS.
After a few minutes more, Clark found a SAND DOLLAR…
I couldn’t get over how many MOSSY ARKS were washed up on the beach mixed in with a few pieces of CORAL and my fave of all faves… WORM SHELLS! They were only tips of WORMIES but any piece is a good piece in my book.
I don’t think I have ever seen so many MOSSY ARKS in one place on any beach before so I gathered a few together to show you exactly what they look like.
I know, I know…. not the prettiest of shells but I don’t see them all that often on Sanibel so I was intrigued with them.
Did I read your mind and know that it reminds you of another shell? It looks like the TURKEY WING! The TURKEY WING and the MOSSY are both ARK shells so they are very similar but unfortunately, I think the MOSSY ARK got the short end of the stick when it comes to looks. ;( Here’s a comparison so you can see them side by side. The TURKEY WING is on the left…
Oops! I switched them in this next exterior photo, the MOSSY ARK is now on the left in this photo. You can now see how similar they are!
We had a wonderful day walking the beach and seeing different shells and the beautiful SANDWICH TERNS and BLACK SKIMMERS…
Along with the SAND DOLLAR, sweet Clark gave me a yellow DAISY that he found on the beach…
We weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the beautiful day in Little Hickory…
Okay, while we are on the subject of Bonita Beach, I have to show you an article about iLoveShelling.com that was published in Coastal Life magazine of the News Press. Weehoo! Click on the logo to read it!
Looks like a great weekend of shelling! I love the worm shells also….so different than the other shell finds! And how sweet of Clark to pick a sand daisy for you! I had never seen flowers blooming in the sand until I moved to SW FL. Hey, Pam…I uploaded a photo this past weekend to see if you could help me indentify. It’s on your web page…somewhere.
Sue
I just LOVE your website!!! I log on everyday and when I’m having a rought day at work 2 or 3 times!!! It’s just awesome..the next best thing to being there!!! kj :)
Great pics – congrats on the article.
This is awesome Pam. And so close to Sanibel. Maybe in Oct we will go off island for some new adventures!
Thanks Pam for the info on Little Hickory Beach . I’m always looking for diffrent places for us 3 girls to explore on our July trips to Sanibel ! I will be putting it on my “To Do ” list for sure . SHHHH , did you hear that ? Yep , it was the Dolphin calling my name … LOL !!! Happy Shelling Pam !!!!
Clark and the flower, what a sweetie!
And I love those skimmers! I have seen a skimmer every so often up here, out on Long Island, but only one at a time. What a beautiful bird and such a strange way of feeding, skimming the surface.
Yea! The 10 Spot!! :)
Loved the article too!!
Wow…the 10 spot has a huge arm now jutting out! I’m continually amazed at the changing landscape of the beach. It’s really cool. Happy Shelling!
Congrats on your article!! I’ve never noticed before but Clark is wearing your “official” color!! That pic of the little girl is sweet!
I, too, read your blog every day and LOVE it. The peace and enjoyment that I feel from your posts takes me away….. kind of like Calgon, I guess… haha!
I am so mad at myself. I was on Sanibel in early March and my sister said to check out Bonita. I just did not want to leave Sanibel to do so!! Guess I should have listened to her!! Love your posts!!
Bravo, Pam! Nice article You are SO right. When I’m shelling , cares and concerns just fade away. Love your website-it has a similar effect. carol
I never new the difference between the Mossy Ark and the turkey wing ! – I love your identifications. Several times I have found a shell that I misidentified or lumped in that now I know more about.!
Luck
Floyd
Wow, I always thought the mossy arks were malformed or ‘bad” turkey wings! I learn something all the time on here! I love turkey wings. I didn’t at first as a beginning sheller, but I now love them! Just love this!! Can’t wait to come in June with my husband, best friend and her husband and 2 girls!!! Sherri from MN