Skywatch Friday at the Beach

I was standing at the water’s edge watching the sun’s first rays color the sand when I heard a screaming flock of gulls further down the beach.  I watched as they swirled and swooped low to the sand. 

Curious, I ambled down the beach in their direction.   Always fascinated by what gifts the tide brings in the night; I was looking down as I walked.  I stopped short when I saw the first tiny fish, its silvered scales catching the light.

I followed the glistening line of fish; the beach was littered with them.  The gulls were eating what must have been a large school of  fish the was caught in the tide and washed ashore.  I have no idea what they were.  The largest was about 2 inches and the smallest about an inch.  Most of  them were pale to translucent.  A few were sandy colored.  The loose flock of gulls was having a field day.   

I love being outdoors and watching bird behavior, you just never know what you are going to see.

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Mystery Crustacean – mystery no more

Walking the beach at daybreak, I found this guy washed up, on his back, feet waving frantically in the air.  I almost stepped on him.  He was about 3 inches long and the color of the sand.  I flipped him over and he just sat there, so I scooped him up and put him back in the surf.  Do you have any idea what he might be?  He doesn’t look shrimpy to me, more lobstery.  Look at the claw things, they sorta remind me of a praying mantis.