The shell world is a fascinating adventure to learn about the lives of MOLLUSKS and the people who collect their shells on the beaches across the planet. Because I am one of those people obsessed with living my life in the world of shells, I love to hang out with people who love to share their knowledge about them too. The Sanibel Shell Festival is a great place to do that.
I’m thrilled Sunnye (TX) shared her colorful shell collection she found beachcombing in Eleuthera, Bahamas (top photo).
Her sister Lisa (TX) had some awesome displays too for which they both won awards.
Lisa EXHIBITED this gorgeous SMOOTH TELLIN…
But I looooved this cool display Lisa did showing the difference between the SHARKS EYE and the FALSE SHARKS EYE. It explains and shows the difference in detail (for more info check out my post Sanibel Shark Week… Featuring The Shark Eye Shell).
And then there’s Stef! I’m so happy for her- she won a blue ribbon for her double FLAT SCALLOP she found by Sanibel’s Island Inn.
Wait… did you miss what I said? Okay, lemme slow down… she found both sides of her FLAT ZIGZAG SCALLOP still hinged together. Exactly like she displayed it… on Sanibel… and with amazing color. Wow! Years ago, I was thrilled when Clark found just the other half of a FLAT (the right valve) since it’s rare to find them here (CLICK HERE to see what the other side looks like) … and she found both perfect valves still together. Shellzam! Congrats Stefanie!
There were lots of displays showing ALBINO shells this year but this one by Ken and Joyce Matthys was really very cool. Here they shows tons of ALBINO FLORIDA PRICKLY COCKLES they’ve found through the years…
In the next case they show FLORIDA PRICKLY COCKLES which are ALBINISTIC. They explain… “Some shells lack their normal color, but they are not pure white. Instead they may be pale yellow, cream-colored, or have other hints of color. These are referred to as being albinistic”. Hmmm Haven’t you seen some like this? I have and now we’ve learned a name for this color form… ALBINISTIC.
Anne Joffe’s seashell emergency room display was hilarious and voted best for People’s Choice award. Freak and damaged shells that repaired themselves to form in odd shapes were propped in mini doctor’s offices, emergency rooms and surgery rooms with bandages, crutches and doctors notes.
Check out this PALLID CARRIER SHELL with an attached GLASS SPONGE (from the Philippines) by exhibitor Robert Linn. Wildly beautiful.
Last week I posted about the artistic side of the show with SAILORS VALENTINES, shell frames and all sorts of shell art and craft but when you look at some of these shells like these ATLANTIC TRITONS exhibited by Holly Nordyke, you realize you are looking at the most perfect work of art ever made. Stunning.
Hope to see you next year at the 80th Annual Sanibel Shell Festival!
Pat Bradley says
I love the shells from the Bahamas-they’re so beautiful! That flat scallop double has great colors. I think that is a rarer find than the junonia. I still couldn’t enlarge the puffer fish, but it is a nice size picture. Now today I tried to enlarge the emergency room picture and the carrier shell came up. I think that was a cleaver idea Anne Joffe had. I think the albino and the albiinistic display was very interesting. Pat
Katherine Haskins says
They are all absolutely beautiful. The glass sponge is so striking. I can only imagine that it is even more spectacular in person. Just when I think I’m finally getting a handle on understanding shells, you come along and make me realize that I really don’t know as much as I thought I did. :) I’m not sure I would have realized how rare that flat scallop was. I probably would have thought it was just another pretty shell. Thank you for continuing my education Pam. You’re teaching me something new all the time.
Julia says
Hi! What is the best place to go shelling near central florida?
Christine Meyer says
I live on Long Island, NY by Patchogue, and I used to go to Meschutt Beach on the south shopre by Shinnecock Inlet/Canal.
When my kids were younger I would many more Goulds Pandora shells than I do now. Has their habitat shifted to the south more. Or can you explain why I cannot find them on the beach any more.
I just finished vacationing in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware recently and could not find any on any of the beaches there either.
If you could give me an explanation I would appreciate it. Thank you.
Christine