Simple treasures

By Jessica Vaquera

Lately, with the onset of unpleasant weather patterns, the beach has at times been unfriendly and dangerous for sunbathing and swimming. But when the storms kick up the surf, they deliver some amazing treasures onto the shore.

Pick an early morning setting. Perhaps the fog will still be hanging on the horizon. And discover a shoreline full of sparkling shells, each unique and beautiful in their own way.

Take two bags, one for shells, of course, and one for trash that you might spot along the way.

The most common shell here is probably the eastern oyster, which is oblong and thick. The shell is not from an ocean-dwelling oyster but is a 10,000-year-old fossil from a bivalve that once inhabited the marshes. Eastern oyster shells provide evidence that the barrier islands are shifting.

Bay scallop and calico scallop shells decorate the sand with their shades of oranges, reds and pinks. Bay scallops can sometimes appear to be black if they have been buried in the sediment for long periods of time.

Take some time to rub your fingers over the smooth quahog clam shell. With its small purple lines, it is one of the most famous shells on the Outer Banks.

Look for the dazzling colors of the jingle shell. It has a thin, round shape and shines in colors of gold and yellow.

One of the most prized finds is by far the whelk. Many believe it to be the classic conch shell, but conchs do not inhabit the North Carolina coast. Similar in shape, the whelk is somewhat smaller, and it is a rare occurrence to find one.

Other unusual collectibles that may wash up on shore include the paper nautilus. Like the chambered nautilus, it is a rare, very thin, white shell that is pleasing to the eye. Or, the janthina, an offshore shellfish that lives in the Gulf Stream and creates bubbles that enable it to float. If you touch this creature of the sea, its purple color will rub off on your hand.

An important thing to remember while shelling is that some may still contain the live animal, says Terri Kirby Hathaway, education curator at the North Carolina Aquarium.

"If you do find some with the animal still inside, just pick it up and throw it as far back into the water as you can," said Hathaway, who walks the beach daily.

Collectors should also remember not to be greedy.

"Take the prettiest one and leave the rest for some other child or person to find," Hathaway said.

While it may be fun to gather as many exotic and interesting shells as possible, Hathaway said good beachcombers should always put back most of what they find.

Great shelling can be done after a storm because the larger waves reach farther down to the ocean floor and turn up more shells and other sea creatures, Hathaway said.

"I recommend going first thing in the morning to beat everyone to the beach," Hathaway said. "Also, it is good to go on a low to a rising tide."

The northern Outer Banks is a steeply sloped beach, and when the waves come crashing down during storms, the shells become chipped or damaged. Places like Ocracoke or Portsmouth Island, Hathaway says, are better for shelling because their beaches rest on a gentler slope.

Different species of shells may be found on the southern beaches because Cape Hatteras is the dividing line between northern and southern varieties.

Searching for seashells on the shore can turn a morning walk on the beach into an experience of discovery. Choose the right time and you'll find this beach activity offering a bonus _ peacefulness. You just might learn something, too.