After-storm Shelling

“Wind and waves are the movers and shakers of the shelling world.”

It’s a fact. Storms bring up seashells, especially storms with big waves and strong winds. Shell hunters know that after a storm hits the coast, it’s time to make plans to get out there and go shelling! Wind and waves are the movers and shakers of the shelling world. These two elements churn up the sea floor and bring shells from deeper water closer to the shore — even dumping them on the beach. All you have to do is take a seaside stroll and keep your eyes open for what gifts the sea has brought to your feet.

Tropical Storm Debby churned up the waters of the Gulf of Mexico last Sunday, August 4, leaving a deluge of flooding — and an incredible array of seashells on the beaches of Sanibel and other coastal towns. Was it worth taking a few days off work and staying in a hotel for a few days with my brother, Gary? You betcha!

The storm created tidal pools on the shore filled with pen shells, dosinias, tulips and murex shells. It was cool to see so many live shells. The pen shells started to stink after a few days though. Pee-ew! I watched a few people just digging in the sand, and they were bringing up amazing finds, like big horse conchs and huge shark eye moon shells. (I see you Kathy from Fort Myers!)

A live banded tulip crawls atop a pile of pen shells in a tidal pool

I didn’t have a spade or a digging tool, so I chose to walk the shore early each morning. This method proved to be successful too, as I found incredible beauties either rolling in the waves, partially buried on the shore, or lying on the wrack line (the high tide line where debris like seaweed and shells are dumped by the waves). The water was too churned up to get in and see anything. I’m not going in if I can’t see my feet! Agree?

After-storm shell finds included red true tulips, lightning whelks, bright orange juvenile horse conchs, shark eye moon snails, a hinged spiny jewel box, and a big alphabet cone.

Did you go shelling after Debby? Let me know! I’d love to see your finds. I was hoping for a junonia or a lion’s paw but I certainly can’t complain with a colorful haul like that! I hope you can go to shell soon.

Found this empty lightning whelk early one morning, half-buried but right on the shore.

This large alphabet cone was buried in the surf with only a small window of its pattern showing above the sand.