Florida shelling; Negative low-tide shelling at Little Hickory Island. Live tulip encounter!

Florida shelling fascinates me. I love finding and identifying all the beautiful shells we have down here in Southwest Florida, and I love it even more when we can meet some of the critters that create the beautiful shells I find. On this walk we are going to see a live tulip and then see him in action under the water. They are quite graceful and dare I say quick for a snail! We'll see a ton of live Florida Fighting Conchs and a live Lightning Whelk, which I haven't come across in a while.
We decided to go shelling on this particular day because I was really hoping I might score a horse conch or some other big shell during the negative low-tide. I did manage to find a whole bunch of live sand dollars and if you'd like to learn a little more about this critters, you can view the video I created all about sand dollars: • Are Sand Dollars Alive...
If you'd like a bit of a sneak peek to my locations, you can follow me on Instagram or Facebook where I typically will post photos of the locations I visit when I go shelling.
Instagram: / swfbeachlife
Facebook: / southwestfloridabeachlife
Website: www.swfbeachli...

[@SnowPink90]

Really enjoyed our walk!! What a life living down there having such plentiful beaches full of shells. Pretty awesome!!😊🐬

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm spoiled and I know it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@deblosey811]

My Mom, 88 now, was beachcomber on Guam. She found some beautiful shells. We will be watching this together (from a distance) this week during our visit. Brings back memories for Mom, and she loves reliving moments from the past. Thank you and happy shelling!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I bet the shells in Guam were gorgeous. I follow some social media accounts of shellers from different places in the world and there are some spectacular shells out there. Happy watching and thanks so much for coming along with me!

[@lindaleehulsey3167]

That beach had so many nice shell varieties......perfect water to be in too ... PERFECT time.......love the tall skinny bird fishing patiently unafraid!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's such a great beach at low tide and so many cool little places to explore. Thanks so much for coming along!

[@mlgauss60435]

"Such a beautiful view!...ok, enough of that, back to shelling" I laughed out loud when you said that! LOL! Loved the video!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yay! I can make you laugh and teach you a thing or two 😂 Thank you so much for coming on my walk with me!

[@mitzimorris4746]

So I am here In ft.Myers thanks to you lol Man what a week I have had we have over 500 shells total. 65 conchs, lace, apple, sun rays, shark eyes, tulips, cones, kitten, lion paws and my sun ray venus looks just like yours still hinged together. All that was basically I’m from of our condo. Went to bowman beach got some pretty scallops.I just wanted to thank you I am pretty good at finding them and my husband is even better and hooked I might add. We would know nothing if it wasn’t for you teaching us how to beach comb.😜

[@SWFBeachLife]

Welcome to my playground! I'm so glad you found so many treasures - isn't it fun? It sounds like you got yourself and got lots of great finds. That is so awesome! I'm assuming you're staying on the south end of the island. That's where all the good stuff is :-) The one thing that Bowman's tends to always have more than FMB is the calico scallops. I find them by the boat load over in Sanibel. I am so happy I helped you find some beachy goodness! Thanks so much for watching and coming along with me!!

[@maggiemax8065]

Shlumping is a perfect word! Lol what a fantastic day!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It really was! Thank you so much for watching!

[@debbiebartolomucci9789]

Wow! That alphabet cone! Thank you for sharing the beauties of the sea!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's truly my pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@artiejohnson703]

I love watching your videos, you make it fun. Just like if we were all there beside you. ❤️

[@SWFBeachLife]

You guys are always in my head when I'm out there. I'm thinking about all the different things I can share with you all. Wish I could do it live! I'd like to do some testing and see which beaches will give me a signal strong enough. Sanibel is probably out but maybe FMB... Thanks as always for coming along with me!

[@pegbracey4718]

What a fun time, the critters just crack me up when they come out! 🤣

[@SWFBeachLife]

Aren't the critters the best? I had NO CLUE about any of these creatures until I moved here. They're fascinating!

[@dianesalvato8421]

I’m glad you gave Little Hickory another try. You found great shells this time. It did not disappoint! Love the alphabet cones.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Me too! I couldn't believe how many cones we found. I'm glad I listed to the advise I was given :) Thanks for coming along with me!

[@excursiondiversion6310]

You're a great teacher. I'm learning about the beaches the tides and the shell names, but after watching a ton of your videos, we don't know your name?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I've thought about me and SWF Beach Life and in the end, I want to share the beach. Yes, it's my take and my point of view, but SWF Beach Life is about the beaches, critters and beauty of SW Florida. I'm making a subscriber Thank You video and I will be sure to properly introduce myself and divulge my name in that video. Thank you so much for watching my videos!!!

[@dixiebrumagin4804]

Love seeing the live critters.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Me too! I like knowing what creature is making these beautiful shells. Thank you so much for watching!

[@danielmaggio772]

The Lace Murex shells keep getting better and better! You’ve been finding so many with incredible color! That’s awesome!

[@SWFBeachLife]

They are tough to find with their lace but you’re right - I’ve been getting luckier. Hopefully the trend continues! Thank you so much for watching!

[@reneeinkona9194]

You found so many nice shells. I never saw that color of Florida fighting conch, the purplish pink one. One day you will get one for your collection, I know it. Thanks for taking the time to share these shelling trips with us. You live in a beautiful place!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I am very, very lucky to live where I do for sure. I love sharing the beach and all the things I’m finding and learning. I too hope to find a pink shell. One day. Thanks so much for coming along with me!

[@lesamonroe2355]

I love watching your videos I love the way you show us everything its next best thing to being there thank you

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm glad you enjoy my videos! Thank you so much for watching!

[@johnwilkesbooth5356]

5:09 a Florida fighting conch paradise 😍

[@Sweetypie77796]

Wow such a beautiful place I love shelling and I love your videos I love shell walks .

[@SWFBeachLife]

Glad you like them! Thank you so much for coming along with me!

[@patembry3373]

Another great video. And yes, you are a lucky lady and thank you for sharing your luck and nice finds with us!! 🥰

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are so very welcome Pat. I'm having a great time finding and sharing all my treasures! Thanks for coming along with me once again!

[@patembry3373]

Just saw a weather report for northern part of Florida and the hard freeze for this weekend ... should find lots of shells. I was watching your last video and glanced out the window at a windy, snowy day in Kentucky. Stay warm! 🥰

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@patembry3373 It's been a bit chilly here but all things considered I guess I can't complain. It's been low tide this week too...hopefully the weekend will give me some good shells to share!

[@angelacarl0814]

What an awesome shelling day!!!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes it was! Thank you for coming along with me!

[@jeanmohr4711]

Love your beach time 😍🤩🌞and nice haul!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you 🤗

[@elaineplante8116]

Another amazing video. I love shelling. First time I ever seen a snail moving along the bottom. Thanks for sharing

[@SWFBeachLife]

Glad you enjoyed it! I had never seen a tulip moving around like that either. All these critters and shells fascinate me! Thanks so much for coming along with me!

[@sallya.2412]

I absolutely love watching your videos on hunting for these shells. Learning the names and seeing all these beautiful shells. Love it!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I’m so glad you’re learning along with me ☺️ Thank you for watching!

[@SaltyReflections]

Thank you for another great video! Your finds from this trip were absolutely beautiful. Keep the videos coming! We truly enjoy learning from them.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much! Wish we lived closer so we could collaborate!

[@lindarichie2585]

Love the go pro shots of the snails 🐌 moving in the sand ! Great videos that u produce ! Love watching and thanks for taking care of our environment ( trash picking ) I’m with you on that always!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you! I am fascinated by all the squishy inhabitants of these beautiful shells :) Thanks so much for coming along with me!

[@lilalightandlove421]

Absolutely love your commentary and how you always add something new to learn about the shells you find! Well done!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much! When I started this I had no idea I was going to be so obsessed with shells!

[@lilalightandlove421]

SWF Beach Life obsessed is such a strong word... I feel joyful shelling and watching your channel!

[@karengadaleta7557]

What a great haul. I really enjoy your videos. We just returned from Captiva. Got a lot of conch, olives, augers & 1 special sharks eye. Happy shelling!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Holy cow is Captiva pretty. We were just talking about how different Sanibel and Captiva are from the other islands. Not built up and lots of greenery. It's so pretty and gives us such pretty shells! Congrats on your finds too!

[@bkneram]

Loving the go pro footage of the different critters doing their thing underwater!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I love seeing them in action! Gives me a whole new appreciation for these critters. Thank you so much for watching!

[@krysw4233]

Great finds! Thanks for sharing.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@lindagiammarco2687]

I love your negative low tide shelling. The water is peaceful and there are lots of live critters. I've learned so much from your videos, thank you. That pink Florida fighting conch was gorgeous. Of course somebody was home. Lots of sand dollars. Lovely heron standing on the rock.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It’s so peaceful to shell at negative low tide. I love it!! Wasn’t that pink FFC gorgeous? Hopefully one day I will find one I can keep. Thank you so much for watching!

[@lindaweges8624]

I have yet to find a sand dollar!One of these days though and I will.Thanks for the show!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I never leave Marco Island without finding at least one sand dollar - if you really want sand dollars, try Tigertail Beach in Marco Island.

[@bonniericica6895]

I truly enjoy your beach video's! Very interesting seeing the tulip and fighting couch in action! Hopefully next year we will be able to go to our time share in Ft. Myers beach and do more shelling! Didn't make it this year due to the pandemic!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Ugh. I hope you can make it here too. I know a lot of people had to cancel plans this year 🥲 In the meantime I’ll keep being you to the beach virtually and you can plan on where you’re going to shell when you get here. Thank you so much for watching!!

[@janwindmiller9561]

Beautiful shells, especially the cone at 14:12 in the video!

[@SWFBeachLife]

That cone!!! So pretty and luckily it's empty. I would not want to encounter one of those alive. They're quite feisty and have a poison they shoot at their victims with a harpoon! Thanks so much for watching!

[@janwindmiller9561]

@@SWFBeachLife Yikes! Glad it was empty!

[@kathyjund7212]

Omg I could have watched for hours!! The alphabet comes and the fabulous lace murex!! All the live creatures! And those fighting conchs wow awesome those are!! Will be watching this one over and over till next week!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I’m going to share a little secret - I had some technical problems with this video and had to listen to it about 6 times to make sure I had fixed the issue I was having. I think I pretty much know it by heart now! I guess I’m lucky it was a good shelling day with a pretty view. I will most likely never watch it again but by all means I hope you enjoy it time after time! Thanks so much for coming along with me!

[@juliadeloye6932]

Enjoy watching. helps me decompress. Rarely get to the beach. Grew up going to Rhode Island beaches with family. Shelling-the hunt makes it fun. Buying shells is cheating.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm so lucky I can just go to the beach. I don't have to buy shells! 😃

[@annettadunham7611]

Living vicariously through you for sure. We are in the cold and snowy Northeast. Brrr. Snow storm on the way.

[@SWFBeachLife]

One of the happiest moving memories I have is throwing away the ice scraper from the trunk of my car! That was one thing I am really happy to move away from. The cold weather. Hurricanes aren't that much fun, but dang the weather is beautiful down here in the winter. Of course now I freeze anytime the temp goes below 70 but I don't think I'll be getting much sympathy :) Hope you don't get too much snow and thank you so much for watching!

[@jeanmohr4711]

I know what you mean!! Happy to sell the snowblower!!! Blow snow no more!! I also get chilly in the slightest breeze or temp change. Always keep some type of wrap with me, even when I'm in Florida. Thanks again for all you share😄😄😄

[@kathycox6420]

That was a great shell trip! I still don’t understand what negative low tide is! Lol

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yeah, it took me a bit to wrap my head around it too. There are different tide heights and low tide can look like high tide depending on the day. There are some days when the tide is below 0 feet, thereby making it a negative low tide day. Basically it’s like a super low tide and the water is really low so more beach i exposed. Hope that helped! Thanks so much for watching!

[@bkrajewski6756]

Please share with us the Christmas card from the Florida fighting conch when you get it!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I definitely will! 🤣

[@andreah.5962]

Excellent video! Love the critters, and there were some spectacularly colored shells. I've never seen pear welks with that much color.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It was a great day for sure. I got to shell in the water and find shells and critters - my favorite! I hope I can find a pink keeper shell one of these days. Thanks so much for coming along with me!

[@emmysue7275]

U are hilarious!!! Christmas cards and all!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

😃

[@gingermackeen5741]

It's ok. You're getting better with the little ones!😉 That first one was actually a tinted cantharis with the hermit. You might want to email Jose at the shell museum with a picture of one of those purple ffc's and see 8f he knows. Beautiful alphabet cone!☺️ Gorgeous pear whelk! An outstanding FL cone too! And an unbelievable lace murex!! Another beautiful gaudy natica! The alphabet cone in the middle of the video beats them all!! Absolutely stunning! Great video of the live banded tulip! Right on the ribbed cantharis! Yay!👍 The shell at 20:40 is probably a moon snail. Some people online differentiate between the shark eye and moon snail by saying the moon snails are not as flat - more the shape of the gaudy's. Others put them all together... Too bad about the little orange true tulip. The hermits always have good taste. And, yes, we are lucky gals! Thanks for another great video!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I found Jose’s blog and have used it to learn a little more about the shells. What a wealth of info he has! I did have a pretty good shelling day for sure. Bonus on the critters! I was wondering about the bulbous “shark eye.” I’ll have to plan a trip to the museum and bring all my questions shells with me. I wish the Sanibel Shell Club wasn’t meeting virtually 😫 Thank you for pointing that out!! Is the shelling up there also better in the winter? I do need to find more chestnut turbans!

[@gingermackeen5741]

@@SWFBeachLife It's usually better. Maybe this cold front will help us!

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@gingermackeen5741 Fingers crossed! It's only going to be in the 60's tomorrow. Florida winter weather is here - LOL!

[@dreamincolor8114]

Love this video! I’m traveling to Bonita Springs in April 2021. I can’t wait to go shelling! Your findings are amazing, wish me luck!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Ooohhh good luck to you! If you don't have luck at one beach, make sure you try another! Thanks for watching!

[@amykitzmiller9987]

Are the shells really just sitting right there to pick up? I am so amazed at all the shells you find. Do those little crabs ever pinch your hand or fingers?

[@SWFBeachLife]

They really are just sitting there! That’s why low tide is so fun. You can just walk around and pluck shells from the water. I’ll see a shell and turn the camera and start shooting. My favorite kind of shelling! I have never been pinched by any of the crabs or critters I’ve pick up. I hope that trend continues!

[@KristenandSam]

Wow, just found your channel, and I am in awe at your finds! Just got into shelling recently when working in Panama City Beach!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Well you've found the right channel for shelling! I've had a little practice but I'm still learning along the way and I love sharing all the goodies I find on the beach :) Thank you so much for watching!

[@patembry3373]

What...three, no four alphabet cones in one day. Good for you ‼️❤️

[@diannleich6009]

At Captiva for the last two days! Lots of shells. Beautiful!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Captiva is like being in the Caribbean! It's so lovely - I hope you have a wonderful time and find lots of treasures to take home!

[@TheMTL1011]

So cool !❤

[@dreamincolor8114]

Merry Christmas from NC!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Merry Christmas to you too!!

[@shanaynay6652]

Beautiful finds. Love the cones. Thanks for sharing your walk with us. Have a beautiful week.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you for watching and I hope you have a beautiful week too!

[@gretchenstedman219]

Another great video! Thank you!! I love it when you get up close and personal with the live guys. And those cones ❤️ Gorgeous! The small shell with the critter in it at the beginning was a tinted cantharus. I love negative low tide shelling!! I can’t wait to see the Marco Island NLT video!

[@SWFBeachLife]

The most fun days for me are when I can see critters and great shells. I really enjoyed seeing that tulip in action. I don’t why I think they’re so cute. Those little shells drive me crazy!! They look so similar to each other. Then again I used to have trouble with the apple and lace murex so I’ll just have to keep picking them up until I know them 100%! Marco was awesome! Critters and shells!

[@Valerieknitterhands]

Thank you I needed a beach day I’m still cold in NJ

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh don't worry - before you know it, it will be too hot! NJ is good for tricky weather!

[@lindsayschilling8707]

Hello, Sharmon 🐚 I saw your interview with "Beach Combing Magazine"; woohooo, great interview! I used to scuba dive in Southern California years ago. Properly trained divers in this region are given serious education re: sharks which I've never forgotten. This leads me into my question for you: are you concerned about sharks? You only have to be in 2 feet of water for an encounter. Also, they will beach themselves if they are extremely hungry. Yes, they can & do get themselves back into the water. I get concerned when you are out in the water. I know, when shell hunting, it is easy to forget about your surroundings! In this video, at the end of the beach when you had to turn around, I noticed 3-4 suspicious swirls a few feet out that made me VERY uneasy! I've noticed that you do practice safety, and you are aware of your surroundings. PHEW! I'm not an alarmist, but...I've always got an eye on the water. Love going with you on your adventures, and the shells are beautiful ❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

Diving in CA must have been amazing! There is another KZbin channel I check out from time to time with a guy that flies his drone over the water looking for sharks. That is crazy and I would definitely be nervous if the waters over here were like that. There hasn't been a shark attack fatality down here in SWFL in over 130 years and they are rarely spotted down this way, so I'm really not that afraid of them. The animals I normally encounter are rays, dolphin, fish and yesterday a manatee!

[@patembry3373]

A great day for cones.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It really was!

[@salishseaquest7952]

The alphabet cones! Wow! @14:15! Thanks for trying to find the answer to the live, inhabited shells versus the empties. I'm thinking my favorite shells are the Gaudy Nautica...love the name and the colors. Thanks for taking the time to show us the beach, the water and the horizon. When I'm at the beach, sometimes I have to tell myself to look around and appreciate the surroundings....and I'm not even finding the gorgeous shells you do. ;-)

[@SWFBeachLife]

I found the most gorgeous gaudy nautica I think I’ve ever found - but I wasn’t filming! I’ll share the after video but I’m sure kicking myself for not filming that day. I do constantly pinch myself at how lucky I am to go to the beach as often as we do. I think I’m just making up for lost time having lived in NJ for so long. Thanks for coming along with me!

[@salishseaquest7952]

@@SWFBeachLife Looking forward to seeing that!

[@chrisbgifford7387]

My theory for the color on the shells is the mucus or excretions from the creators and what they eat has a correlation to the shells color. The pink Florida fighting conch was my favorite. Bummer that it was inhabited. Look forward to next week.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I think their diet probably does have something to do with the color - I'm just curious why I never seem to find empty juvenile conchs so colorful. Who knows - maybe one day I'll figure it out. That pink one was awesome! Now I really want to find one that I can keep :) Thanks so much for coming along with me!

[@paulineamiott9423]

Wow what awesome shells, alive & ones to keep. Making me want to be back there already. Hopefully we have an effective vaccine soon. Thanks for taking us along on your shelling, I just love it.

[@SWFBeachLife]

What a crazy year 2020 has been! I hope it's safe for people to travel soon too. Thanks for shelling with me virtually!

[@BeachGirlStudio]

Awesome morning to enjoy the low tide and wonderful shells you found. You know I am thinking shells are pretty much like our human hair...as we age it looses color ....I think the shells do to.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Well that makes sense about the color. I just wonder why I don’t find those spectacular colored ones empty. Oh I’d love to keep one of those pink FFC shells! Hopefully one of these days. Thanks so much for watching!

[@amandacurrier8450]

There’s so many sand dollars! Whenever I’m in Naples visiting, we go shelling and never find those. I wonder if it’s the time we go or simply location?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I had seen them in July on Fort Myers Beach CARPETING the sand. I mean they were everywhere. I was wondering why in November I was finding so many of them. I have not yet found any rhyme or reason for when to find these guys. I will tell you that both times I went to Tigertail in Marco I found them. If I figure out the secret I’ll be sure to share!

[@sueh9597]

I love sanibel and captiva ..my favorite place. 🙂 you are so blessed if you get to live there😄or do you live in fort Myers or the Cape and drive over to sanibel? Also do you do any crafting with your shells? I had a mirror that I put shells that I found shelling on sanibel all.around it, it looked just like the ones in the gift shops...it turned out beautiful!! 🐚🐚🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

I live in Fort Myers, so Bowman's on Sanibel is about a 30-minute beautiful drive and Fort Myers Beach is about 15-20 minutes depending on how many red lights I hit :) My husband is more crafty than I am these days (he's constantly making bracelets), however I would very much like to make a shell mirror. I haven't started it but thank you for reminding me this is something I'd like to make! Is yours very heavy? That's the only concern I have and might need to get a mirror that isn't too big. Thank you for watching!

[@patembry3373]

Sorry about the true tulip, a beautiful orange. You have really been finding some unique colors of fighting conchs

[@SWFBeachLife]

Hey, if "someone" gets the shell before I do then it's theirs. Finders keepers! LOL! Thanks for watching Pat!

[@777sgiles]

I looked this up. A minus or negative tide occurs just a couple of times a month when the sun and the moon are aligned. The pull of both then causes extremes on highs and lows. That is when the moon is full or new. I’m gonna pay more attention to the phases of the moon in conjunction with the tides.

[@SWFBeachLife]

We do get some crazy low tides, especially in the winter. Lately they have been overnight and since I can't use white lights on the beach from May 1- Oct 31 (turtle season) I have to wait for them to come when I can SEE at the beach - LOL! There is a great app I use that makes it really easy to see the tides and the phases of the moon: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZzTiXibmrpskLc

[@austinglen3568]

Loving your videos! We definitely share a passion for shelling. I could talk your ears off about the subject, but am a little sleepy so you have been spared. Question? "Florida Fighting Conch": Why this name if they are social, friendly and docile? Think we will drift off to your "Ocean Sounds" video. Good luck and happy shelling! - Austin in Clearwater, Florida USA Ps. Have subscribed, clanged the bell and will remember to always hit that "Like" icon.

[@SWFBeachLife]

So the mystery of the FFC and why it's called a "fighting" conch is under much debate. Some say because the back of their shell looks like a gladiators shield. Some say because they make such huge sweeps with their body to move around, making it look like they're fighting. There is no clear-cut reason as to how these marvelous little guys got their name. Fun story: A neighbor who watches my channel figured out who I am and invited me over to chat shells. We were chatting for hours! It's such a fun and fabulous hobby! Thank you so much for subscribing!!

[@mstaken4998]

Magnificent video!!! Great finds. Any idea on the life expectancy of the critters in the shells? Also, what type of container do you use to collect sand dollars? Always look forward to your next video! 🐚🦀

[@SWFBeachLife]

The Florida Fighting Conchs can live up to 10 years! The lightning whelks will grow slower the larger they get. It all depends on the critter. I was using a food container to keep the sand dollars in - like a small soup you'd get from a Chinese restaurant. I've since switched over to a left over container that we purchased lunch meat in. It's a little bigger, square and I can fit BIG sand dollars in it. I'll also use it for any shells I think are delicate or teeny tiny ones we find. It's a great little thing to have just in case! Thank you for watching!

[@shellstories]

Very good finds! Have you tried negative low tide at night yet? I've been doing some low tide shelling at night past few days but it's been on the slow side, and you really had to work hard to get what you did get. Even though I literally had the beach to myself. All those critters were cool! Again those live conchs were spectacular!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have not tried negative low tide at night yet - but I have my headlamps and I'm all ready! Just have to plan it out. I was on Sanibel yesterday and didn't find much of anything either. I started watching the latest video you uploaded - did your fingers get yellow from that live sand dollar? I've read about that and as many times as I've picked them up its never happened to me!

[@shellstories]

@@SWFBeachLife I checked out both Lighthouse and Bowman's yesterday morning and afternoon and I got a fantastic shell at the Lighthouse but other than that I had to work hard to get what I got. I think the coming northwest winds could push in some shells on Sanibel beaches and I'll be checking the beaches multiple times every day and if something happens I'll definitely post it! My hands didn't get yellow from the sand dollars, but I know it could happen. But it is totally harmless. Also please be aware of jellyfish, I saw quite a few this morning and while I know some are harmless, some could give you a bad sting.

[@LilKream]

I love all the sand dollars!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Aren't they cool?? I had never found one until I came down here. Now I get to see them all the time. Love those little guys! Have you seen my video all about the sand dollars? Did you know the little ones will eat sand to weigh themselves down in the surf? They're so cool!!!

[@LilKream]

Wow, cool! I’ve never found any because I live near Washington (not going to say which state for privacy purposes) and they don’t really come around here, but that’s so cool! I didn’t know you made a video about them, I guess I’ll have to check that out!

[@LilKream]

Also, merry christmahannikwanzika+paegans and if you know Seinfeld, festivus too! Me and my family are about to go try to find a Christmas tree!

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@LilKream I made it quite a while ago, but the information is still good :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWqrYXigj7amp9U

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@LilKream Nice!!! I hope you find a good one! Happy early Christmas to you!!

[@trincooper2466]

How do you tell the difference between a shark eye and a moon snail? I LoOoOoOove your videos! Keep it up!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much! I had to ask someone at the Sanibel Shell Museum to untangle the moon snails/shark eye thing! So a shark eye is a type of moon snail, and so is the gaudy nautica (colorful moon snail). There is a northern moon snail (they get huge) as well as a milky moon snail (would love to find one of those). So there are lots and lots of moon snails, with the shark being one of them. It's like calling a Lion a feline, which is shared by tigers, jaguars as well as house cats. I hope that answers your question! Thank you for watching!

[@trincooper2466]

@@SWFBeachLife thanks for the help!

[@charissescully5893]

Mind if I ask when this video was taken?

[@SWFBeachLife]

This was taken in Monday, November 16th. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity!! Thank you for watching!

[@suzisharp132]

Sometime when you are shelling, if you find a lightening welk and a pear welk, would you show us the difference? Thank you!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Sure thing! I will tell you one easy way to tell is the lightning whelks have their aperture (opening) on the left side vs. the right 😃

[@suzisharp132]

@@SWFBeachLife Thank you so much!

[@kathylenhart2BGODS4Ever]

Do you ever go to New Smyrna Beach in Florida? My brother just love it there he bought a house down there. I was wondering if you go shelling there or if it’s not a good place fire shelling or if it’s a beach full of them little shells. I would love to have some.

[@SWFBeachLife]

New Smyrna is on the East Coast and I'm in Southwest Florida so I haven't made it over there yet. I've shelled in Jupiter, which was pretty fun as was North Palm. The East Coast shells seem to be a little more beat up since the Atlantic is much more active than the Gulf, however the East Coast has cool Caribbean species so I do love checking out the beaches over there when I can. Wish I could tell you how the shelling was in New Smyrna but I don't know. Hopefully one of these days I'll find out!

[@kathylenhart2BGODS4Ever]

@@SWFBeachLife Thank You. I’ll be watching you all weekend I love the little sea creatures and all the awesome shells. How do I get some to add to my very small collection

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@kathylenhart2BGODS4Ever I sell some of mine 😃 Shoot me an email at [e-mail] and I’ll give you all the details!

[@johnwilkesbooth5356]

What I would do if I found that many Florida fighting conchs… I’m addicted to them.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I can't get enough either. Some of them are so pretty. And the creatures inside are so fabulous! I love their little eye stalks!

[@LilKream]

Oh! An alphabet cone in great condition!

[@SWFBeachLife]

it's so fun to find shells that have great color and are in great condition. That shell was so pretty!!!

[@chandrevyn]

I have to ask -- where do you end up parking at Little Hickory? I know of the public parking spot, but it's a heck of a hike out to the shelling area north of there. Is there anything closer, or a public walk-in access where the more-mobile husband could drop my mother and I off to get to the northern area while he parks?

[@SWFBeachLife]

That public lot is the closest public parking to the northern end. I see there is a street that accesses private property further north but I suspect there isn’t any public access to the beach from there. What I will tell you though is I spent almost an hour before you even get to that first jetty on that particular day. Maybe if you hit the tides right you could shell and not have to walk all that far? The beach that I think has the best access is Delnor Wiggings. I was only there once, the shelling was “okay” but I was impressed at how close the parking was to the beach. My mother was in a wheelchair so I’m always thinking about beach access for those who might not be able to walk miles and miles! Happy to answer any other questions you might have. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@syahriliman.12]

👍

[@tinkertailor3115]

What do these little shell critters eat?! And what are they doing when they "swipe" your hand?

[@SWFBeachLife]

The Florida Fighting Conchs eat algae. They help clean things up (they're so helpful). The Florida Fighting conch is probably swiping at me to get me off his shell. The hermit crabs do this too and kind of try to kick me off their shell. At least no body bites or pinches me! LOL. Thank you for watching!

[@tinkertailor3115]

@@SWFBeachLife Thank you! (Not sure why I'm just now seeing this ... must be an Internet thing!)

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@tinkertailor3115 Oh the pesky internet LOL!

[@suzisharp132]

Do hermit crabs have any kind of shell of their own?

[@SWFBeachLife]

They do not! They need to "borrow" shells from other critters.

[@yomama8873]

😱😱🤩🤩🤩💜💜

[@SWFBeachLife]

💜💜💜

[@dreamincolor8114]

What is the best time to shell Little Hickory Beach? Early morning, or afternoon low tide? Thank you for any feedback.

[@SWFBeachLife]

My first choice would be to go at low tide early in the morning. Second choice would be going early in the morning. Third would be low tide. Depending on the time of year parking can be a challenge so I always like to get out early to make sure I can get packing! Plus I love avoiding crowds :) Hope this helps!

[@dreamincolor8114]

@@SWFBeachLife Thank you so much! We will be there April 6-9. Happy shelling!

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@dreamincolor8114 Happy beach combing!

[@tac5617]

Hiiiiii

[@SWFBeachLife]

Hello :)

[@tommieopell1009]

Are barnacles alive?

[@SWFBeachLife]

They are when they're attached to something sturdy. At low tide they close up but the ones on the beach are not alive anymore. You have to look inside the outer casing. If there's nothing inside that volcano looking structure, it's no longer alive.

[@beverlyhoke9059]

I might say it lurched, rather than schlumped. Lol

[@SWFBeachLife]

Whatever it is it’s sure not graceful!! Love them anyway though. Thank you so much for watching!

[@gloriareid9089]

Do you sell shells if so how much are they

[@SWFBeachLife]

I do sell shells, but I have a $20 minimum. Please shoot me an email at [e-mail] if you'd like to chat more about it ☺️

[@232323ed]

I have a cabin on Lake superior I look for agates Also I never been to the ocean

[@SWFBeachLife]

That's awesome!

[@232323ed]

@@SWFBeachLife I am some amazing videos on KZbin

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@232323ed I saw a couple of nice videos in your channel. Keep it up!

[@NataliaBenda]

you missed an olive shell

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's certainly possible!

[@shareseosin3539]

Y tyuuuuuuuuuuuu

[@hotlips55]

Same shells every episode.

[@janetpullen5210]

Great walk even if it’s not too long but it was nice to wade with you it seems like there is always plenty of lettered olives.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I can't wait for the morning low-tides to come back. I love Little Hickory at low tide. There's so much to explore! Hope you have a great week!