While shelling at Blind Pass Sanibel, I took a little break to the high dry beach sand to drink some water and reapply some sunscreen. Most of you are the same way I am- anywhere on the beach I still can’t help but look for shells. So that’s what I did. Up on the dry sand away from the water… on the part of the beach most people stomp over on their way to the water’s edge… scanned the sand and look what I found.
I found quite a few SHIVA SHELLS (CHESTNUT TURBAN OPERCULUM). Im rich! I found MERMAID MONEY! (or MERMAID TEARS)
They were sitting in the sand just like this…
When I started getting excited to find them, I realized that I was missing some since they were upside down… errr… I call it “upside down” since the swirly part wasn’t showing like this…
Omigosh, then I found a SPECKELED TELLIN…
During my short rehydrating break, I found the SHIVAS, the TELLIN, BORING TURRETS, a bright orange FLY SPECK CERITH, MAUVE MOUTH DRILL and SOUTHERN FLATCOILS.
We find SOUTHERN FLATCOILS at Cayo Costa just about every trip in the high wrack lines. They are LAND SNAILS that get washed up on the beach with the sea weeds so you might find them in the same areas you find might find ROSY WOLF SNAILS and SEA PEARLS.
I also found some CHESTNUT TURBANS as well.
Along with finding DARK CERITHS, ROUGH SCALLOPS and APPLE MUREXES, all of these smaller surprise shells up on the high dry beach made my day that much more interesting. Love that stuff!
Chestnut turban operculum…mermaid coins, or money, right?
What could be better than that?! There is nothing more precious to me than some quiet time to reflect in my favorite place on earth.
It’s amazing that the speckled tellin hadn’t been steped on. When I found the operculums at blind pass they were usually upside down, but they had a nice light brown color. I also like the rough scallop too. It pays to take a break. Happy shelling . Pat
Pam, thank you for providing such wonderful information about Turks and Caicos. I have been there in 2010 but at the time never knew such wonderful shells could be found just by walking into the waters or on the beaches. Having lived in Florida since then, I have become aware of shelling and have taken your tour. I know look everywhere I go for shells. I feel fortunate to live in Florida and have the opportunity to go to some amazing braches, but I must saw the aqua blue waters I saw in Turks and Caicos were breath taking. Hope to see you on the beaches soon.
Wow – how neat!
You are so good Pam. If there’s a shell within miles, I’d bet you’d find it!!!
Very cool!
Very cool finds, Pam. Can’t wait to get to Sanibel! Shiva Shells are on my shelling bucket list…hope there are still some there in a week or so. I find them fascinating. I guess you just never know where you will find some treasure, right? Ya gotta look everywhere on the beach. Sometimes it’s not so obvious, like the minis. Your tips for what to look for have been invaluable to myself and other shelling buddys. Thank you again for another great entry!
I am so glad that someone is finding shells right now.. we were just at the lighthouse and did not find much.
Any comments on the weather and how it will change the probability of good shelling?
Chestnut turban operculums! How cool! Something new for me to look for in January or are they only found in the summer?
We were there today! Sorry we missed you. Going back tomorrow at low tide. Shelling was fabulous on Sanibel side today!
Good Morning Joyce:
If you don’t mind me asking, where will you be today? Wife would love to meet you!
VR
Joe