Feathers and Shells at the Beach
/It was so rainy during our time in Florida for the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival that we only got to the beach twice and we were time limited because both were with a field trip group. I took pictures of birds but also feathers and shells. Most of the feathers were bedraggled because of the rain even though some were probably relatively fresh.
White was the most common color. I like the windswept curves.
Sometimes the shadow caught my eye and the relative difference between the end feather versus the part closest to the bird’s body that is more down-like.
This feather looked to be in good condition. I wondered if the thinner part of the feather was from wear.
This feather was almost buried in the sand. How long does it take for a feather to decompose?
What an odd feather! The strands of white were very long.
The swirls of strands and fluffiness of the down…a dance of filaments.
In one area that has been roped off for a bit there were a lot of shells…and a bit of sea weed. In other places, the shells were not as numerous because so many people pick up shells.
Most of the shells are broken or polished by the tumbling in the sea.
Some are almost buried in the sand. I didn’t pick up any shells on this trip. Maybe I will next time.