I Spied An Ark On Sanibel

Posted by pam on Feb 11, 2014 in Ark, Beach Art, Cut Ribbed Ark, Lineate Dove Snail, Mossy Ark, Ponderous Ark, Transverse Ark, Turkey Wing | 15 comments

I spied thousands of ARKS at Gulfside City Park on Sanibel Island this morning. Most days you can find TRANSVERSE ARKS scattered along the beach since they are one of the most common shells on Sanibel.

There are a few different species of ARKS so let me show you the difference. Top row left to right-  a MOSSY ARK and a TURKEY WING. Bottom row left to right- CUT-RIBBED ARK, TRANSVERSE ARK and a PONDEROUS ARK.

It’s a little easier to identify bivalves and see the difference (and the likeness) between them by looking at the interior of the shell. 

I only had a few minutes to walk the beach today so I just wanted to look for minis in some of the wrack lines I pointed out the other day in my Shelling 101 video. I found TUSK SHELLS (there were thousands of those too), a KEYHOLE LIMPET, WENTLETRAPS, CERITHS, AUGERS, a TURRID, juvie CONCHS, juvie OLIVE, and a piece of CORAL.

I also found a somewhat beat up LINEATE DOVE SNAIL.

If you need any help identifying any of these shells, check out my Seashells Identification Page…

As I walked this morning, I couldn’t help but notice this amazing village sand sculpture on the beach- with its own arena and swimming pool. I was inspired to write about ARK SHELLS because so many artists like to use these sweet little white shells as embellishments for their pieces of art- just like this beach artist did. ARKS are perfect decorations for so many projects. Inspiring!

Shelling Day Trip From Sanibel To Bonita Beach

Posted by pam on Mar 27, 2012 in Black Skimmers, Bonita Beach, Day Trips From Sanibel Island Florida & More, iLS.com In the News, Little Hickory Beach, Mossy Ark, News Press Coastal Life, Sandwich Tern | 15 comments

 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!