Search for the Shy Albatross Day 19 : 04-09-2015

Where the sand meets the rocks at the end of the beach there was a lot to be explored. With the tide low it was the perfect time to have a closer look. Carefully lifting rocks showed that there were many mysteries and a few treasures to be found. I found that the sea urchins live close by and have strong red spines for protection. But what is this curious creature beside it that has a great slug like body and a small white shield on its back? And why does this camouflaged crab have blue mouth pieces, and what do they do? You have to pick your rock carefully to make sure you don't hurt all the little critters you're trying to find. Dropping a rock back in the wrong spot or leaving it overturned is just like walking in and trashing someone's house.

The floating balls of seaweed from a few days ago seem to grow on the rocky shoreline right down at the lowest tide line. It must be the waves that knock them off and drop them on the beach. This morning also revealed a full specimen of the leg found yesterday. The seven limbed star fish had spikes along its legs and a rough skin on its back. Two forest ravens were pecking away at the rotting seaweed above high tide. Picking up the seaweed hundreds of amphipods that I call sea lice bounced for cover. 

In other news we don't know when the students are going to be able to get over here. The weather looks to be against us but fingers crossed they can reach Three Hummock Island on Sunday or Monday. I'll head over tomorrow and settle in either way. 

T-shirt winner:

Kye for his great shapes from nature pictures. Check out all the amazing ones that have been shared by lots of posters under Day 18's Discuss.