As much as we enjoy wildlife, it’s seldom that we have an opportunity to hold live specimens in our hands. Most wild creatures want to put as much distance between us and them as possible, and that’s how it should be. However, opportunities to get up close and personal with wildlife are possible along Nova Scotia’s seashore in the intertidal zone. Marine animals such as crabs and starfish are easily caught and respond well to gentle handling.
The starfish at left was found in the salt marsh. Its underside reveals gel-like feelers that glisten in the sunlight as they move. Live, juicy starfish are enjoyed by seagulls who can spot them underwater clinging to rocks.
Though a bit more difficult to catch, live crabs are very animated and deeper in color than the dried ones found higher up the beach. Up close they look like little aliens. They too are eaten by seagulls.
To those who are willing to get really up close, offshore waters offer even more wonders.
Live sand dollars are nothing like the bone dry tests we may sometimes find on the beach. Their five point star design is just barely discernible beneath their deep purple fur-like covering of cilia. Beds of these can be found by scuba divers in the subtidal zone, a wonder hidden from the view of beachcombers. Sand dollars are preyed upon by starfish, snails and skates.
After handling these delicate marine creatures, it’s best to quickly place them back where they were found as they are unable to survive out of the water for long. Such close encounters should be kept as brief as possible, unless of course you’re a seagull looking for a meal.
I’m hungry Dolores. Should we get fast food or see what’s slow in the marsh?
Photo credits: Julie Perry
Flandrum Hill 
Wondermous pictures today! Is it you holding all the marine critters? 🙂 I had no idea that sand dollars are that color…very cool!
Cindy Lou, one of my sons was holding the marine critters. All three are scuba divers and have had their share of close encounters with life in the sea.
Oh cool! (Do we still say that?)
These are the most wonderful photos–creatures I would never see for myself here on the freshwater seas. I just have the best time going on your walks in the Salt Marsh.
You are getting some excellent results. Did you get a new camera?
Gerry, except for the one of the seagulls, all of these photos were taken by my son’s friend Julie Perry who was thrilled with all the creatures she saw on her trips to the salt marsh and the sea shore near here while visiting Nova Scotia.
Wait, wait–I was not teasing Cindy Lou! Her comment had not popped up on my screen when I asked if we still say cool. I was making fun of myself because of course I still say cool, although it always strikes me funny.
I used to pull up sand dollars and starfish when I was a kid during family vacations to Florida. I always thought they were warm water critters so I never expected them to be all the way up in Nova Scotia! Thanks for the wonderful post and bringing back some fond memories.
Cala4lily, we’re getting a lot more critters up here as the waters stay warmer longer. More hurricane activity too unfortunately. Glad you liked the post 🙂
Second photo my fave. Crab looks resigned, patient but not willing to be held forever, either. Colors of its shell are beautiful, like a turtle’s underside. Thanks so much, Amy-Lynn, for these glimpses at marine life.
Pamela, that little crab does look resigned. It was probably quite happy to be put back once its photo was taken.
This blog reminded me of visiting the tidal pools in San Diego last November with Christopher and his girlfriend. I was afraid to touch any of the marine life…guess I was afraid to perhaps hurt them. A sea anenome was my favorite.
By the way, Dolores seems to be suggesting take-out. Wonder what that might be? 🙂
Kathy, the best take-out in Nova Scotia is either fish and chips or donairs 🙂
Actually Gerry I spell it “kewl” coz I am a kewl dudette.
Great pics and info Amy-Lynn.
Just wish I saw half the stuff you do.
Didn’t know I could pick up a starfish. The suctiony cup thingy sorta creep me out !
There — see — I AM a girly girl.
Wonderful post. But aren’t they all !
Sybil, you are kewl with a capital ‘K.’ I hope you get to see some Greek starfish in your travels. There are some brilliant red ones in the Mediterranean.
I didn’t know that about sand dollars, either. Fascinating! This post brought back memories of my parents filming a crab on the beach in Florida. It was very busy digging a hole and kept walking sideways back and forth. V8 camera (?) pops into my mind, whatever it was they used back in the 1960s to take home movies. We used to get a kick out of watching the film because the crab seemed to stop and look at the camera quizzically each time it passed by. As if it couldn’t figure out why it was still there. I imagine that noisy camera seemed like an alien to the crab!
Barbara, those crabs are so entertaining. They probably think we humans are quite the spectacle too 🙂
Loved those crabs…such wonders, delicate and perfect 🙂
Swaps I love them too. Unfortunately, so do the seagulls.
I’ve enjoyed this very educational post. Thank you for sharing and nicely illustrating your intimate knowledge of these fascinating critters.
You’re welcome missusk76 🙂
Nice post, Amy. Enjoy seeing and learning about the creatures of your salt marshes and tidal areas.
Scott, I’ve learned so much while writing these posts and I know I’ve barely touched on the tip of the iceberg. There is so much life in these places that rarely comes to the surface.
You found some wonderful living sea creatures! And your gulls are too funny. I think it’s all cool too – whether we should say it or not 🙂
Millhill, seabirds have to be the funniest creatures around. Maybe it has something to do with their diet.
Beautiful photos and I love the caption on the Gull photo. Dave accidentally caught a crab when he grabbed what he thought was sea shell. LOL
Jessica, I don’t think I’ve ever caught a crab by accident. They are usually pretty difficult to grab hold of. Maybe it liked him 😉
O! Happy happy joy joy! Your photos are delightful–and the information and your commentary are equally engaging. Lovely post. Now–how do we get the rest of the human world to be so gentle? Yes, I know seagulls have to eat. Not a problem. It’s the human species that worries me.
Thank you!
47whitebuffalo, those humans have me worried too. So much for being ‘highly evolved.’