Shells Found on Florida's East Coast

Moon Snail, Coquina Clam, Calico Scallops, and Ark Shells!

This Sea Shell sign is located at the Eddy Creek oceanside gazebo area in Canaveral National Seashore, Playalinda Beach, Florida.

Moon Snails are an edible marine bivalve who stay hidden in the sand during sunlight hours. Moon Snails forage at night. They fit fully in their shell but are sizable out.

Coquina Clams are marine bivalve mollusks. The color wheel on Coquina Clams includes, pink, mauve, blue, yellow, and white. Found in the swash zone, the area where the water meets the land, Coquina Clams slightly submerge themselves in the wet sand. Coquina are small, edible saltwater clams.

Calico Scallops host lovely colors and pinkish hues. Calico Scallops live in deeper off-shore water but often are found along the shoreline. Calico Scallops are marine bivalve mollusks.

Ark Shells come from marine bivalve mollusks. They have a row of comb-like, interlocking teeth on the inner hinge and sometimes carry a hairy outer organic layer. Neat! Find Out More about Ark Shells at the Florida Museum University of Florida.

CU at the Beach! Wavecritter aka Stephanie Haile

Cocoa Beach Pictures

Sea Robin Canaveral National Seashore

Sea Robin are a member of the Rock Fish family.

Sea Robins are found in warm saltwater, are scaly bottom fish, and also called Gurnard. Sea Robins have bony heads, colorfully patterned bodies, two dorsal fins, and can grow to 28 inches in length. Sea Robin mainly exist in the eastern Atlantic Ocean including Florida's East Coast, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea. 

On the Water for more about the Sea Robin and a surprise recipe.

CU on the beach! Wavecritter aka Stephanie Haile

Cocoa Beach Pictures

Turkey Vultures commonly known as Buzzards

Turkey Vultures are the most numerous and recognized vulture and are often referred to as Buzzards. Vultures are raptors.

Turkey Vultures nest on the ground under some sort of cover like thick vegetation, hollowed logs or shallow caves. They can be found year round in the southern United States with migrations into northern United States and Canada.

The unfeathered heads and dark brown or black tones on its feathers mark the Turkey Vultures features. The Turkey Vulture can grow to about 2 and a half feet tall with a 5 to 6 foot wingspan.

Turkey Vultures locate carrion by smell and sight. 

We found these wonderful raptors hanging out in Canaveral National Seashore Playalinda Beach, Brevard County, Florida Parking Area 8.

Visit National Geographic for more on Turkey Vultures.

CU on the Beach! Wavecritter aka Stephanie Haile

Cocoa Beach Pictures

Killer Crabs in Cocoa Beach

KILLER CRABS IN COCOA BEACH!!!!

Not really LOL, Blue Crabs =) Great fishing on the west side of the road at Playalinda! "Catches of the Day" photos to come ...

Look to the west while driving down the road ...

Directions:

From Interstate 95, take State Road 406 exit at Titusville, Florida. After crossing the Indian River, take a right fork onto State Road 402 and continue east to the beach.

From Cocoa Beach, take Highway A1A north to State Road 528 and go west to State Road 3 and follow it north to State Road 402, then turn east (right).

Parking:

Parking is a fee per vehicle, per day, to enter Canaveral National Seashore.

Hours:

Hours for Canaveral National Seashore are 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Facilities:

Rest rooms and a visitor center.

For info on Blue Crabs

CU on the Beach! Wavecritter =)

Cocoa Beach Pictures

Eddy Creek Gazebo Canaveral National Seashore Playalinda Beach

Canaveral National Seashore, Playalinda Beach, Eddy Creek Gazebo overlooking the beach entrance. This is such a scenic lunch area while enjoying the Florida sun, sand, and surf at Canaveral National Seashore. The Eddy Creek parking area has roughly twenty parking spots with easy access to the beach ramp. This is a family oriented spot with an awesome vista.

CU on the beach =) Wavecritter

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A Max Brewer Bridge Titusville, Florida

A Max Brewer Bridge Titusville, Florida

The A Max Brewer bridge is a $44.8 million dollar concrete construction located at the east end of Garden Street in Titusville, Florida. Going east past the bridge is Canaveral National Seashore, Haulover Canal, Black Point Wildlife Drive, and Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge.

Veterans Memorial Fishing Pier
The smaller pier known as the Catwalk or just fishing pier 2 at Veterans Memorial Fishing Pier is closed because of damages done by Hurricane Irma. No date for reopening this pier is set.

The Veterans memorial Fishing Pier stays open during launches, restrooms and all.

This link has a very crowded view of what the A Max Brewer Bridge can look like for a rocket launch viewing.

Waterway Explorer is an Awesome site for a deep view at your Waterways.

What's close by?

For those who forgot their sunscreen, towel, or snacks and lunch, on the west side of A Max Brewer Bridge there are shops and eateries like CVS, 7-Eleven, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Save A Lot. 

Parrish Park is usually the locals term when referring to the shoreline around A Max Brewer Bridge. It is complete with boat ramps, ample parking, restrooms, and a boardwalk.


Hobo Island is one of the extremely small islands looking south off the A Max Brewer Bridge. It is said to have a population from 1 to 4 from time to time.

Sand Point Park and Space View Park US Space Walk of Fame are close by and  

Pier 220 has Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night live bands at the Waterside Bar. 

Check out the menu, hours, and events. Dinner entrees are between $15-$30.

CU on the beach! Wavecritter =)

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Observatory Canaveral National Seashore

The Observatory at Canaveral National National Seashore, Florida is a mystery owned by NASA. The Observatory sits at the end of the drive-able road, just past parking area 13. We have asked several National Park Rangers about this structure and we get shaking heads and hands, nope, that belongs to NASA. We can still admire the building and wonder of its use.

Canaveral National Seashore is a full day trip of fun in the sun or come for a morning stroll down the beach. The sunrise view from this Florida east coast beach is spectacular. August 2019.

Canaveral National Seashore includes Playalinda Beach with access from Titusville and Apollo Beach north, access from New Smyrna Beach.

CU on the beach =) Wavecritter

Cocoa Beach Pictures

Sea Turtle Tracks Canaveral National Seashore

Sea Turtle tracks coming up the beach at Canaveral National Seashore, Playalinda Beach, Florida. New tracks are sought after each morning by National Park Rangers, Scientists, and volunteers. They locate the tracks, cover the newly laid nest with protective mesh to keep predators away, and journal the location and date. 

Sea Turtle activity this year has been booming! This means many little turtle babies will be added to our wonderful waters.

"Where Can I See Sea Turtle Nests Safely?" Visit FWC

Florida Fish and Wildlife has more information on nesting, projects, and threats for Sea Turtles.

Find out more about Sea Turtles at Florida Fish and Wildlife

CU on the beach =) Wavecritter

Cocoa Beach Pictures

Dragonflies on the Beachwalk

 If you look close at the picture of the vegetation here, you will see a few dragonflies ... there were at least a hundred flying around the walkway today at Canaveral National Seashore, Playalinda Beach, Florida. They are regular visitors to the parking areas here. You will also see a mix of Florida vegetation like Sea Oats, Saw Palmetto, and Sea Grapes.

What a tranquil place =)

For more info on Florida Dragonflies

Check out Cocoa Beach

CU on the Beach! Wavecritter =)

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