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Hi, As summer ends, I’m excited to share this new and final part of my fossil hunting and photography series. This piece highlights my summer adventures, showcasing the beauty of the landscape, unique rock formations, and my fossil discoveries. The longer days and warm weather create perfect conditions for exploration, enhancing the intricate details of fossils and the surrounding scenery. In this report, I’ll recount summer challenges and joyful moments, from battling high water to rescuing a sleepy duck and enjoying the tranquility of fossil sites. The summer has provided a rich tapestry of experiences that I’m eager to share with you, combining the thrill of discovery with the joy of being outdoors. Everything begin at the Nicolet River Formation, part of the Ordovician period (485-444 million years ago) in Quebec, it is primarily composed of limestone and dolostone, indicating a shallow marine environment. Rich in fossils, including brachiopods, trilobites, and graptolites, it offers insights into the biodiversity and ecological conditions of the time. The sedimentary structures reflect varying depositional environments. Overall, it plays a key role in understanding the geological and biological history of the Ordovician era. To learn more, take a look at my previous series of post, here: The day I went fishing for fossils The day I went fishing for fossils (part II) The day I went fishing for fossils (part III) The day I went fishing for fossils (part IV) Photo#1 - The Solitude of the Fossil Site The fossil site is usually quiet in the early morning, with few visitors. Every weekend, I get up early to make the most of this serene atmosphere. Solitude adds to the magic of my explorations, allowing me to immerse myself fully in the hunt, nature and photography. Soft light of dawn casts a golden hue over the landscape, as strong shadows highlight the fossils, rendering them more visible against the ground. A peaceful ritual, that deepens my connection to the world around me. Photo#2 to 6- Urban Fossil Hunting and Birdwatching Across the beach there’s a Quebec nature reserve, making it an excellent spot for bird watching. When I go early in the morning, I can see bald eagles, great herons, woodpeckers, and a variety of ducks, all of which provide wonderful company. Sometimes, I even meet fellow birdwatchers and engage in trade photography tips with them, blending my hobbies seamlessly. Unfortunately, I’m not well-equipped for bird photography, so my photos often rely on zooming and enhancing my pictures by software. Despite this, they capture exactly what I was seeing—like the heron shrouded in the morning mist, its silhouette graceful against the soft light. Each image may not be perfect, but they reflect the beauty of those serene moments I pass in nature. Heron Cormorants Mallard Female Mallard Common Mergansers (Males and Female) Photo#7 to 8 - Beaches Hidden treasures The river was high all summer, preventing me from reaching my trove. Underwater, a large plate of Sowerbyella and crinoid ossicles lies, occasionally broken apart by waves that wash smaller pieces ashore. Alternatively, I use an improvised stick made from a branch to bring broken pieces to shore. Crinoid: Ossicles, Brachiopod: Sowerbyella Sowerbyella plate with some ossicles Photo#9 - Inukshuks: Sentinels of the Fossil Landscape For some reason, people have a strong urge to build inukshuks, resulting in the area being dotted with them. Each week, some collapse while new ones replace them. Building an inukshuk can be form of creative expression, but I believed there’s a simple joy in balancing stones and seeing how they fit together. It can be a playful and meditative activity, by providing a sense of accomplishment and relaxation. Most are small, but occasionally someone goes all out to creates one as tall as a human. Inukshuk Photo#10 - Fossil-Flopology: Turning Rocks The beach is strewn with an incredible array of rocks, and I've discovered that it's often rewarding to flip them over to explore they other side. By chance, inuksuk builders are unknowingly working for me, by returning rocks. It led me to uncover numerous fossils, as pictured in this topic. While cross-sections of fossils may not appeal to everyone, I've found a captivating colorful motif in this particular bryozoan specimen. Branching Bryozoan cross section Photo#- Treasure Hunter meet Fossils Hunter This summer, I came across a treasure hunter with a metal detector. He found some old coins and keys, but nothing too valuable. Still, the thrill of the search was palpable in is talk and we had a few laughs about our respective hunt. Photo#11 - The Kayak Rescuer The funniest fossil hunt I had was when I encountered a kayaker without a paddle, struggling and drifting towards the rapids. Luckily, I had found his paddle earlier in the day. Without hesitation, I went back to get the paddle and got my feet wet to give it to him, possibly saving his life. In the rush, I forgot to take any pictures, except for the paddles I had found earlier. Heroic, but undocumented! Photo#12 to 14 The Perilous Waterfall and the Drowsy Duck Near my fossil hunting spot, a man-made waterfall often hosts birds taking a break. One day, while walking by the river, I noticed a duck that seemed too relaxed, in fact, after zooming with my camera objective, I could see that he was sleeping his head tucked in is plumage. My heart skipped a beat. This poor duck was inches from a watery plunge! Recalling the occasional dead ducks found downstream, I knew I had to act. With adrenaline pumping, I sprinted to the riverbank, yelling, "HEEEEEEE!" at the top of my lungs. The duck jolted awake, flapping and quacking in sheer panic, and managed to flutter away from the fall, barely escaped the plunge. I couldn't help but chuckle at my self, what the hell I’m I doing, saving a duck. Nevertheless, I was glade to have save the little reckless beastie. Photo# The Pickaxe Predicament: Rogue Fossil Hunters I never take a pickaxe with me, I prefer letting nature unearth my fossils, each one lovingly prepped by water and rain. Besides, it's illegal to dig up fossils in a municipal park. However, not everyone shares my respect for the rules. I once found a pickaxe abandoned by a digger (Naturally, I took it home as a souvenir). Their efforts only erode the site, causing more harm than good, there are not many trilobites to be found there, and no real treasure to be found, mostly brachiopod and crinoid ossicles, really ordinary fossils. I shake my head at their folly, their efforts amuse me, especially as I chuckle at my unexpected trophy—a testament to their misguided enthusiasm. Photo#15 to 33- Nature's Beauty: Wildflowers and Fossils Besides fossils, I love photographing nature, In the summer they are always nice wild flowers nearby waiting to be photographed. I offend connect with nature, and include it in my fossil’s pictures. And summer's wildflowers are adding a touch of beauty to my pictures, creating a stunning juxtaposition of ancient and ephemeral. Symphyotrichum at different stage Anemone and Crinoid ossicles, Brachiopod Catazyga Headi Brachiopod Catazyga Headi Anemone and brachiopod Onniella meeki and strophomena Brachiopod Catazyga Headi Micro Gastropods, Crinoid ossicles Garden Geranium and Crinoid ossicles Gastropods cross section Crinoid ossicles, Hypericum perforatum(Klamath Weed) and Brachiopod Catazyga Headi Brachiopod: Rafinesquina Chives Garden Geranium and Brachiopod Sowerbyella Photo#34 Crinoid Thief: The Gastropod's Bold Claim I spotted a fossil and was ready to claim my prize, but it was already occupied by a gastropod, a live one. At first, I didn't notice the cheeky squatter. Only when I got down for a closer look at my fossil did I see the little guy eyeing my crinoid ossicle. Well, fair's fair. He got there first. So, I took a picture of the little thief and let him keep the fossil. Sometimes, even in the fossil-hunting world, you’ve got to respect the rules of the wild! Who knew fossil hunting could come with such unexpected competition. Modern Gastropod Photo#35 - The Lone Mushroom: A Striking Contrast One day, I found a lone mushroom growing among the ancient stones. Its vibrant life contrasted beautifully with the fossilized remnants around it, creating a poignant scene. Common Inkcap Fungi - Coprinus atramentarius Photo#36 to 42 - Mushrooms Party This summer was so humid, the mushrooms threw a party at my fossil site! I was blessed with a variety of fungi I’d never seen before. Dryad´s Saddle (Polyporus squamosus) Wild mushrooms - Simocybe centunculus ? Giant Puffball Calbovista subsculpta Turkey tail mushroom Trametes suaveolens Schizophyllum commune Photo#43 to 44 - The Unusual Gaze My site is usually hardly frequented, but when crouching to take pictures, I still feel a bit uncomfortable when people see me. I always wonder what they thinking, they usually scatter away, and trying to avoid me, like I was some kind of derange individual. But it never discourages me from looking for fossil and nature that surrounds me, small things could easily be miss when standing up, right? Grape leaf skeletonizer moth caterpillar (Harrisina americana) Bee Photo#45 to 47 - Well-Preserved Fossils: A Rewarding Find Finding a well-preserved fossil brings a sense of accomplishment and excitement, each discovery adding to the joy of the hunt. Like this nice crinoid ossicles, bivalve and brachiopods. Crinoid ossicles, Brachiopod sowerbyella Bivalve Pteriomorphia Brachiopod Rafinesquina Photo#48 to 50 - Sowerbyella Brachiopod: Nature's Prep Work Sowerbyella brachiopod are the most common fossil in my hunting grounds, but I some time have to wait until the end of summer for the water level to drops, revealing these fossils nestled below. Them. I can collect some nice plate that have already been prep by the constant wave motion, removing bit by bit the layering of the shall, until they are just perfectly prep. Timing is crucial; waiting too long risks erosion; I carefully monitor the beach weekly, to ensure I capture these delicate fossils at their perfectly prepped best before nature's artistic touch fades. Brachiopod sowerbyella Brachiopod sowerbyella Brachiopod sowerbyella Page# 51 to 52 - Nature’s Artistry: Fossilized Muscles The natural prepping of brachiopods by the environment can be astonishingly rewarding. Take this internal mold of a Sowerbyella brachiopod’s organs, for instance. You can distinctly see the muscles and other intricate details prepped by water, wind, and time. Who knew that beneath the unassuming exterior of a fossil, there could be such a detailed display of anatomy that can be preserved. Brachiopod sowerbyella internal mold Need to id the brachiopod in the top left corner Photo#53 - Hilarious Duck Waddle: My Microfossil Hunt I've recently discovered an abundance of microfossils, predominantly crinoid segments and micro gastropods, as showcased in my next pictures. I talk about this before. Hunting these minuscule wonders requires a unique approach; must adopt a crouched posture and move stealthily, resembling a duck walk, along the water's edge to successfully locate them; imagine crouching and waddling along the water line, executing a perfect imitation of a fossil-seeking duck. And, well, I've had my fair share of embarrassing moments – a couple of times, I've been caught in the act. Let's just say my fossil pursuits have become an unintentional spectacle, much to the entertainment of any unsuspecting onlookers! Ideally, the endeavor is a solitary one to avoid any potential embarrassment! At least I can assure you, my quacking technique is top-notch – both in the field and as a source of amusement for unwitting spectators! Photo#54 to 55 - Tick Protection and People's Reactions I always protect my self against tick, by waring long pants and sleave, because there lots of tree and vegetation were the beach gets narrower. This is a more isolated area where black birds are nesting, and I know they are parasite carrier. On hot days, this can produce surprising reaction from people, like this guy yelling at me “you idiot put some short”. People can be such pain in the some time, when they certain they know best, when they really don’t know. MIcrofossil Crinoid Ossicles, Gastropod Crinoid Ossicles, Gastropod Story #56 to 58 - Microfossil Makeover: From Ancient to Awesome After my hunt, I some time engage in a playful manipulation of colors to accentuate their details and make them visually pop within the photographs. Recently, my discoveries have unveiled a wealth of these tiny treasures. When enhancing images, I experimented with color scheme to make the microfossils pop, they now stand out like neon signs. It not only makes the fossils more visible, but it also contributes to an aesthetically pleasing composition, turning images into stylish abstract arts. Micro fossils Micro fossils Story#59 to 63 - Fossil Fishing': Timing is Everything The Sowerbyella brachiopods dominate the fossil landscape at my hunting spot, nestled below the waterline. However, my collecting expeditions are often timed with the end of summer when the water levels recede, revealing these treasures. Patiently awaiting this seasonal shift, I harvest beautifully prepped plates shaped by the rhythmic wave action meticulously peeling away layers of the shale. The delicate balance is crucial; waiting too long risks erosion, prompting me to diligently survey the beach weekly, typically on weekends, to seize the perfect specimens before nature's touch eases them. Brachiopod sowerbyella Brachiopod sowerbyella Crinoid ossicles, Branching Bryozoan Bi-Valve Brachiopod sowerbyella, Catazyga Headi, Photo#64 to 70 - Underwater Artistry: Brachiopod Edition Water is often part of my composition, because it gives more vibes to the fossils, hide imperfections and gives some life with vibrant color and moving effect. Here is a stunning plate of brachiopod fossils positioned just below the waterline, giving the appearance of a piece of artwork. The photography captures the subtle effects of receding water, which has created gentle ripples that enhance the scene and create a cartoon like effect. To further highlight the fossils, I made small adjustments to the colors and lighting, adding touch of refinement to this already captivating image. Brachiopod: Hebertella occidentalis and sowerbyella Brachiopod Catazyga Headi Brachiopod: Hebertella occidentalis and sowerbyella Branching Briozoan Brachiopod Rafinesquina Crinoid segment and sowerbyella Photo# 71 to 72 - Leaving Fossils Undisturbed It's worth noting that I often respectfully left the fossils undisturbed at their original location for others to admire and appreciate. It is worth looking through vegetation, as one can sometime find nice surprise like theses nice looking plate. Crinoid osticles, sowerbielly brachiopod, Maple leef Crinoid Ossicles Photo#73 – looking in every crevice It is worth while to look in every crevice, in this case I found , not only for the nice Catazyga headi plate, but also a special photo composition nature made for me. Theses are moment of surprise; I appreciate in my hunt for fossils. Catazyga headi Photo#74 – Summer Surprises: From Disappointment to Delight I was disappointed when winter’s ice and spring’s swift waters tore away fossil plates without leaving new ones. At the start of summer, I felt like my fossil hunting was ruined. But as I kept searching, I realized it wasn’t so bad after all, I found unexpected surprises—a trilobite and other fossils that now enrich my collection. What began as a disappointment turned out to be rewarding discoveries. The treasure hunt was more challenging this year, but the thrill of the chase made each find that more precious. Brachiopod: Nice plate of Catazyga headi Photo#75 - The lonely trilobite I found this trilobite among small pebbles, As I search, turning hand full of rock at once, a small plate made from a soft and friable rock chatter I multiple fragments, I was lucky to get it (the trilobite) in a single piece, as this is my first one at this location. Trilobite: Calymene Photo#76 to 87: Fossil Hunting After Hurricane Beryl Although the season began slowly, as the water levels receded, more fossils came within reach. The heavy rains, some from Hurricane Beryl, also helped prep hidden fossils on the beach, almost like nature was giving me a hand. This year, I found a great variety of fossils, including my very first graptolite. I also found what might be a cephalopod, possibly with something encrusting it. Plus, I found my largest branching bryozoan, with a half-inch diameter at its base, along with many other fossils Branching Bryozoan Bivalve Rafinesquina Crinoid segment Brachiopod Sowerbyella Brachiopod Strophomena Rafinesque Brachiopod Catazyga headi Branching Bryozoan Brachiopod Rafinesquina Brachiopod : Sowerbyella and Strophomena Rafinesque Bivalve Goniophora curvata Bryozoan Stenolaemata Hallopora Graptolite imprint and Cephalopod Photo#88 - The Joy of Fossil Hunting Fossil hunting allows me to connect with nature, appreciate the wonders of the natural world and get physically engaging in an activity during summer days. Branching Bryozoan Story #89 - Fossil Art: Crowded Rocks Some rocks are so crowded with fossil they resemble a modern pieces of art. I mean, who knew that nature's version of a Jackson Pollock painting would be found in fossils. https://historia-arte.com/obras/mural-pollock Gastropods cross section Story #90 to 102- Crinoid Ossicles: Endless Fascination I have a fascination for crinoid, maybe because they have a way to surprise me with, they shape and colors, all the same but in a way so different: Circular (Round), Pentagonal, Star-shaped (with a central star), Hexagonal, Square (Quadrate) and even Elliptical (Oval) without counting the form of calyx ossicles. A plate strewn with crinoid segments, discovered along the beach, awaits careful preparation upon my return home. I find myself irresistibly drawn to these crinoids and am always eager to undertake the necessary steps to unveil their beauty. I have hundred plates of crinoid ossicles; it’s too tempting for me to resist, I keep adding more to my collection: Crinoid Ossicles Photo#103 to 106 - A Sweet Crinoid Discovery I found this small crinoid ossicle that look like a candy among sand and small rock I discovered theses petite crinoids’ ossicles amidst the sand and small rocks, resembling a sweet confectionary delight. Never know what I will find while playing in the sand like a 5-year-old, adds an element of whimsy to the experience. Crinoid ossicles Photo#107 - Not the Sole Hunter While crouching to photograph seemingly ordinary fossils, I noticed I wasn't the sole hunter in the vicinity. Occasionally, the appearance of an unexpectedly different subject presents a unique opportunity for capturing great pictures, especially when the camera is at the ready. Caddisflies Photo#108 to 109- Using my Shadows for Better Photos At times, adding shadows to the subject can be beneficial. In this instance, I added my own shadow, to part of the subject, in the first image to remove glare cause by the water reflecting the sky and sun light and in the second image to add ambience to an otherwise dull picture. Crinoid ossicles Brachiopod sowerbyella Photo#110 to 111 - Nature's Tapestry Nature can show amazing tapestry of motives and colors, like theses natural color I found on theses rocks, one could think, some jocker as painted a rainbow. Photo#112- Parallelogram: A rock for math lessons? I stumbled upon a rock split in half, forming a perfect parallelogram. It looked so out of place, like a rogue geometric object in a world of organic chaos. It should be at school with grade 4 students. The real kicker? Making it seem even more bizarre, the parallelogram was bordered by a yellow line, making it look even more like it belonged in a math class rather than nature. It was as if nature had decided to dabble in geometry and highlighter pens for a day, leaving behind this quirky masterpiece. I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it— perfect parallelograms in the wild, like rogue pieces of modern art. Nature sure has a sense of humor! Parallelogram Photo#113 - Invasive species: Sunbathing Crayfish Walking along the beach has its surprises. One day, I stumbled upon a crayfish lounging out of the water, sunbathing between the rocks. I had no idea these little critters could survive on land until that moment. It is only one of the invasive species, I’ve also found zebra mussel, Purple loosestrife, Asian Carps and many other. Crayfish Photo#114 - Unexpected Beauty: Multicolored Fungus I often need to look closely at ground level to search for fossils, and this perspective helps me discover other fascinating details nearby that might otherwise be missed. For instance, I recently noticed a variety of lichens growing on a surface. They showcase beautiful range of colors and textures, from vibrant greens and yellows to subtle grays and pinks. Some have leafy structures, while others resemble tiny cups or branching coral-like formations. I don't know if it's just me, but I find multi-colored fungus on a branch to be surprisingly beautiful. These fresh little buttons of Lichen, each a different hue, create a stunning tapestry. It's as if nature decided to become an artist, turning decay into a vibrant masterpiece. Lichen on a twig Photo#115 - Grape Vine I offend pause my hunt to take photograph of what is around me, getting down on my nee allow me to see think I might have miss when standing up on my feet, like this grape vine on the ground after a morning showers. Grape Vine Photo#116- Lost and Found: Licenses Returned As I strolled along the beach, I came across a driving license, a fishing permit, and several other cards, some of which had fallen into the water. Fortunately, I was able to gather up most of them. The address was on one of the cards so I return them to its rightful owner. The couple was surprised and grateful, happy to skip the trouble of replacing them. It turned out they had accidentally dropped them from a pocket earlier. It was the end of a lovely and wonderful day! The joy of summer fossil hunting comes from the blend of outdoor adventure, discovery, and the excitement of uncovering ancient fossilise life forms. This activity deepens my appreciation for the natural world and its many mysteries. Heron in the mist of the morning I wish you to find joy in the wonders of nature and to marvel at the mysteries of life… just as I do.

Hello. I took the kids for a fossil hunt at an old disused limestone quarry and found this brachiopod with preserved pedicle (or at least that is what I think it is!) I can’t find any images online of brachiopods with pedicles so exposed. This is the first time we’d gone looking for fossils and it was in the third rock we opened. My question is…before I start cleaning it up/destroying it, were we incredibly lucky to find this or is it likely we could find more specimens with pedicles like this? Basically, should I leave it as is for now….? thanks!

Hi. This is part of the collection at the college here at UAA. It's marked as a Brachiopod, but it sure looks like a gastropod to me. I'm not an expert so I thought I'd bring it here. Thoughts?

I was super lucky the other week to be invited to the New Paris Quarry in Bedford co. PA. The owner of the quarry is super nice and knowledgeable. He handed out a geology and ID sheet specific to his quarry. according to that sheet, I spent the day in the Old Port formation. The rock was a very hard limestone. I tried to get some of these brachiopods out of the rock but my rock hammer just dented the rocks. (Keyser fm. Is also present in the quarry along with calcite and fluorite) Here are some calcite pieces: some of the fossils I couldn’t get out: at the end of the day, it was a lot of work for only some reward. Limestone is very hard and the preservation is lack luster. A majority of the finds are brachiopods with the most being Leptaena. Trilobites were super hard to come by, as a group only finding 4 of them. Some of my finds: a worn brachiopod of unknown genus Crinoids my favorite brachiopod rock that sadly isn’t on the ID sheet so I don’t know the name The best find- Symphoria trilobite Leptaena brachiopod this is a weird one. Either coral, mud ripples or something else ? either bryozoan or minerals

Hi. This brachiopod was found at the Wren's Nest, Dudley, UK. It doesn't have prominent ribbing on the valves like others I've found and it seems very distended on the one side. The domed side is quite smooth. I have tried to photograph it with the hinge face on too to give an idea of it's shape. I was hoping for a species name if possible?

I thought I might share pictures of the brachiopod Pugnax acuminatus from the Upper Asbian Limestone of Castleton in Derbyshire. They display an extreme example of a deep fold and sulcus. Other Brachs show similar morphology, for example Ladogia sp., typically from the Upper Devonian, but they have more prominent costae. These Pugnax are from the well-known Treak Cliff location and are fairly rare to find in good condition.

Hi, here's another batch of brachiopods I found at the Wrens Nest, Dudley, UK. I have grouped these together as they seemed a similar shape. Upon closer inspection however, I noticed that they have differing amounts of ribs on the valves. (Ontogenetic?) I was hoping for some species names if possible. Thanks in advance.

I'm trying to identify a few fossils I received from Cedarville, New York. I think they are mostly bivalves and one large ?gastropod. I assume they are Devonian but do not know for sure and have no other information besides coming from Cedarville. Ruler is inches (I apologize!) Thank you in advance for any help! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Another interesting brachiopod I recently came across was this slab of Limestone containing a number of Latiproductus latissimus from the Visean (Mississippian) of Gwynedd, North Wales, U.K. These brachiopods tend to cluster together and are often found in life-positions indicating they lived in fairly quiet conditions with little turbulence. These specimens are showing their ventral valves and you can just about see the spine bases typical of this genus.

This was found in the Carboniferous limestone of the Malahide formation , east coast Dublin Ireland, Its part of a mortality plate i just prepared, mainly athyris glabristria, but i dont know what these are , hope you can help