When you walk out onto the sandy beach, happy and barefoot, what do look for? Do you gaze straight ahead, into the sea, at the rolling waves or do you peer even farther out to spot ocean going vessels on the distant horizon? Maybe you scan the sandy shoreline to see if there are any special beach treasures left behind by the recent high tide. Are the tanned and toned volleyball players among the first things you scope out?
It’s amazing what we could discover if we just looked down! Those seaweed piles (wrack lines) are brimming with miniature sized wildlife, and the sand beneath our feet is home to an abundance of coastal residents. Beach hoppers, beach pillbugs, sand crabs, and intertidal clams, just to name a few, have all made their home in the ever changing sand.
My daughter found a wonderful on-line article that she shared with me. “Sandy Beach Life,” from Marine Science by Genny Anderson, explores common organisms and coastal wildlife found on a typical sandy California beach. Full of terrific photos and information on coastal critters that I didn’t even know existed, it’s a very interesting read! It might be great fun to print up the article and pictures for a scavenger hunt or check list for your family’s next trip to any beach. Enjoy!
Sanderling √
Bladder kelp √
Sand crab √
Beach hopper □
Western Gull √
Wedge Clams √
Beach pillbug □
Kelp fly √
A great day at the beach! √
Link: Marine Science by Genny Anderson: Sandy Beach Life √