Uncovered salt marsh

While it may look like a beach, the amount of shells indicates this is an old salt marsh that was covered by blowing sand from a retreating barrier island. The animals in the marsh, like oysters, clams and whelks were killed by the sedimentation and are now being uncovered as the island continues to retreat toward the mainland. Interlude Beach, SC in between Townsend and Frampton Inlets.

Coquina tabby

In the foreground is a large piece of coquina tabby. Tabby is a concrete-like substance that forms with the proper mix of shells, water, sand and lime- the knowledge came from West Africa with enslaved people. A hurricane in the late 1800’s wiped out the structures on Edingsville Beach and pieces of them still turn up on the beach.

Southern stingray foraging in the shallows

As bottom feeders, the stingray’s mouth is underneath them so they can swim with their mouth running over the bottom. An important fish (they are cartilaginous fish aka having cartilage rather than bone) in the food chain.

Feeding shorebirds

Shorebirds are always talking to each other. It’s a constant murmuring that sounds sweet to my ears.

Interlude Beach

Interlude Beach is between Botany Bay WMA (across Townsend Inlet) and Edingsville Beach (across Frampton Inlet.)

Sea foam

Sea foam is caused by proteins in the water that get frothed by waves, wind and other disturbances.

Coastal fog adds a mystic touch to the beach

Warm temperatures heat the land. When cool ocean air blows in, it creates fog

Clapper rail aka Marsh hen

These birds are secretive and rare to see exposed. What a treat when this one strolled by.

Glass lizard

Also known as a glass “snake”, this is actually a legless lizard. Unlike a snake it has eyelids and ear openings. Very common on the sandy soils of barrier and sea islands.

Morning light