The Ten to Know

• Coquina — tiny, brightly striped clams that swarm the wash zone.
• Calico Scallop — small mottled fans in pink, orange, and purple.
• Bay Scallop — grass-flat scallop with broad radiating ribs.
• Ark Shell (turkey wing) — heavy trapezoidal valves with strong ribs.
• Cockle — rounded, ribbed bivalves in cream and brown.
• Lettered Olive — glossy cylindrical shell with zigzag markings.
• Fighting Conch — orange spindle with a flared, notched lip.
• Lightning Whelk — large left-handed whelk (aperture on the left).
• Shark Eye — round tan moon snail with a dark 'pupil'.
• Banded Tulip — smooth cream shell with crisp dark bands.

How to Practice

Pick up shells and sort them into these ten categories at the end of the walk. After two or three tide-line walks you'll recognize each one instantly.