Howdee all,
A few days ago Jeff and I went shelling and birding near the Lighthouse on Sanibel Island.
We arrived around 7:30 and there were already many people out looking for treasures.
It was low tide and the Skimmer, Terns and other shorebirds were lined up on the sand bars.
Fort Myers in the distance.
Most people were walking the beach and shelling
There were a few bird watchers..and photographers.
Many live shells in the area..
There's Jeff on the right doing some birding
while I take photos and look for shells.
Most people were respectful of the birds and distanced themselves as they walked past them.
Mostly Sanderlings ..
The shell seekers had many different contraptions to save them from bending down too often.
This fella in blue is a local and know the shells and what to look for.
Live shell and shell seekers.
Birds and beach walkers co exist..
Will I find any shells?
We did see a good amount of birds..
Red knot, Sandwich Tern and Royal Tern
Skimmers take flight
The birding scene in video..
Royal and Fosters Tern?
We had a super morning…shelling, walking the beach and birding. Jeff and I don’t really care to sunbathe..but those beach chairs sure did look inviting!
Oh.and We did find shells!
This is actually two days worth..
Some collected on Captiva Island
Cant wait to go out again and find more!
BONANZA of birds and shells!
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful! What will you do with all of those shells?
ReplyDeleteWith the kid chasing the birds, I'd have said something to the father. In the photo with the sandwich and royal terns and the skimmers, I believe you have at least one Forster's Tern, a bit left and up of centre. Nice blog and a nice reminder of Sanibel 40+ years since!
ReplyDeleteAndy, Spain
Wonderful post!! Wish I had been there! :) Love those shells and the birds, of course!
ReplyDeleteMany of those birds would be lifers for me, and to get so close to them would be amazing. Your photos are great Dawn!
ReplyDeleteFantastic! I have great memories of that place, but when I was there it wasn't anything like this!
ReplyDeleteGreat collection of shells and birds. The birds should be heading this way soon. Wonderful photos. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a wonderful time on the beach. Stunning photographs! Lots of beautiful birds and lovely shells. You picked up some of my favorites -- banded tulips, shark eye shells and coral. I think I even see a sea urchin. Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWow, such an amazing collection of shells in one place Dawn.
ReplyDeleteHow fun! What a wonderful way to spend time, shelling and birding. That spotted shell is very unusual.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent collection of shells and birds! I love Sanibel, and know how many amazing sights can compete for your attention all at once. You really captured the experience excellently!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Dawn!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely place! Excellent photos of the birds and shells. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome. Amazing how close you got to the terns. I have to go to that island. Nice trip.
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn, This is such a cool post. And your photos make me feel like I was right there. Very nice and thank you! John
ReplyDeleteThey don't call it the "Sanibel Stoop" for nothing. I just love it there and at Ding Darling.
ReplyDeleteHow incredibly awesome, I'm jealous! Is your shell ID as good as your bird ID? I'd love to know what all those little treasures are!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of the beach and oh the shells are great. What a collection! Birds and shells on the beach what could be better? Great pictures. I love all the colors of the shells grouped together that you gathered.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone!
ReplyDeleteWe truly are having a wonderful time here.
The weather has been fantastic..in the 80s and sunny during the day. A few evening showers.
The birding is excellent..the shelling superb..the beaches are scrumptious!
I cant get enough of it...off to the beach soon to see whats out there.
Every day the beach looks so different!
If u get the chance check out Pam over at i Love Shelling she's a local u may of seen her lite turquoise tshirt or hat that has iLoveShelling.com on it doing the sanibel stoop got the honor of meeting her while visiting Sanibel I love everything about Sanibel and I just joined your blog will b following your trips great blog and thanks for Florida beachhunter for posting u on my FB
ReplyDeleteMelody
That's a great selection of shells. Sanibel is a great place for shelling and birding.
ReplyDeleteGood post.
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