SEASHELLS!!

[INTJohn]

Above: conch I found few years back about 10.5”
Below: conch found yesterday and it too is about 10.5” so they’re tied as the largest Queen Conch shells I’ve ever found.


My shell books agree that 12” is maximum size so the 2 I’ve found are close to as big as they get.

bch bum jonny

 

[INTJohn]

Another fantastic find! Yesterday; while exploring the low tide rock areas discovered a Bahama Sea Star also known as Red Cushion Sea Star.

https://www.biminisharklab.com/fauna-of-bimini-1/red-cushion-sea-star

They are rare to find and on the Florida Protected Do Not Disturb List. I saw one years back kayaking and never got a pik cause I don’t carry my fone but I was only a few hundred yards from the van with this 1 and went back and got the fone.

I have been fortunate with the assortment of rare finds these last several days.

bch bum jonny livin the dream!

 

[vanbrat]

I am glad that you are finding good stuff on the beaches this year. It is making me rethink our winter get away. We had thought about Florida last year, but poop got in the way. And I was worried that all the storms from this fall would have made things to messed up for this year but maybe I can finally get back there this winter.

 

[INTJohn]

Found 2 more nice Queenys yesterday………

Have had a great time all week looking for the large flared Queen Conchs. Every where I’ve searched I have found hundreds of Conchs that are alive. I’m not exaggerating on that number. Of various sizes too - from 3” to the large mature ones with that awesome flare.

Also, several Sunrise Tellins which are just beautiful and like the name given them their colorful appearance is as striking as a beautiful sunrise. A couple sea biscuits, too.
Will post a pik later.

livin the dream
bch bum jonny

 

[INTJohn]

Sunrise Tellins - pretty & colorful little shells. Fairly common and I find at least 1 everyday here in the Keys. I give most of them away but kept the trio above.

bch bum jonny

 

[INTJohn]

Live Queen Conchs in shallows at low tide. There are literally hundreds of them in this colony and yesterday I stood in one spot and counted 34 without moving.
A spectacular sight!

bch bum jon the shellin vagabon

 

[Gr8ful]

My John what a big Conch you have

 

[INTJohn]

Meanwhile I’m back looking for seashells.
ciao
bch bum jon the vagabon

 

[twomountainlions]

One certainly won't starve there...

 

[INTJohn]

Above & below are pix of a manatee skeleton I discovered today while exploring the low tide mud flat estuaries looking for seashells and whatever I discover.

Above is the skull & mandible.

Several years ago I discovered a manatee skeleton about 100 yards from this 2nd one and this place adjoins a relatively narrow and vary busy boatway and I suspect these manatee are victims of boat/propeller collisions.

bch bum jonny

 

[INTJohn]

In terms of overall quality of size, color and condition, probably the best Alphabet Cone I’ve ever found.


itsa keeper!
bch bum jon