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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.

I'm currently in Alfred, NY, and ventured out to visit a part the creek nearby. After wading for a few seconds, I looked down to find that almost every stone in the brook was some form of Devonian fossil! I grabbed a few of the closest and nicer looking ones near me and cleaned them up a little or photographed them. Will definitely do some more exploring soon!

I came across a beautiful fossilized hash plate, which is extremely delicate as it measures less than a centimeter in thickness, do you have any recommendations to make it stronger?. Additionally, I am curious to know if it is possible to enhance the appearance of the fossils by applying a coating of some sort. When wet, the plate is very attractive, but it looks dull and lacks variation in color when dry.

I found this stunning fossilized hash plate, which is believed to be from the Late Ordovician period. It was found in the Nicolet River formation located in Quebec, Canada. I am seeking assistance in identifying the brachiopods that are present on the plate.

Fishing for fossils might sound like a strange hobby, but I've discovered that it's the perfect combination of relaxation and excitement. Instead of reeling in fish, I'm reeling in ancient fossils from the Richelieu river. And while I might not have any fish tales to tell, I do have some great stories about my fossil-hunting adventures. It might not be the most conventional hobby, but it's certainly a fun one. And the best part? No fishing license required! The Lorraine Group is known for its abundance of fossils, which provides valuable information about the region's past environments and evolution. The fossils found in the Lorraine Group are mainly marine invertebrates, such as brachiopods, trilobites, bryozoans, crinoids, and gastropods. It is a geologic formation in the Canadian province of Quebec. It is part of the St. Lawrence Platform, which is a large region of sedimentary rocks that underlies much of eastern North America. The erosion of these formations over time creates a variety of rocks with different mineralogical characteristics, which can be found on the beaches in the area. The Lorraine Group is an important source of geological information about the history of the St. Lawrence Platform and the tectonic events that shaped it. These fossils, including crinoid and sowerbyella, offer a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the area during the Ordovician period, and are estimated to be around 450 million years old. I had spent times meticulously photographing this sowerbyella I had found from the Richelieu river. When I finally found the perfect shot, I snapped the picture with satisfaction. But it wasn't until later, after I had added the picture to The Fossils Forum, that I noticed something small and unexpected in the upper right corner of the image. Upon closer inspection, I realized that two tiny gastropods had photobombed my perfect shot! These little intruders are a fun and quirky addition to the photo, and it gave me a great story to tell. After all, when you're fishing for fossils, you never know what unexpected surprises you might find along the way. I stumbled upon the remains of a previous campfire. As I looked closer, I noticed something white sticking out of the dark ash and debris - it was a coupe of bleached fossils! The colors and patterns of the fossils are truly beautiful, and provide a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the area during the Ordovician period. I feel fortunate to have found these fossils and to be able to share them with you. I have a funny story to share about the day I took this picture, I was so focused on capturing the perfect shot of a crinoid fossil that I didn't notice the waves getting closer and closer. Suddenly, a wave came splashing on my running shoes, soaking my feet completely! Although it was a bit uncomfortable, I couldn't help but laugh at myself for getting so absorbed in my photography that I didn't even realize I was getting my feet wet. Despite getting my feet wet, I was determined to capture the stunning colors and patterns of these fossils, The diverse composition of the Lorraine Group's formations, with the Nicolet Formation being siliceous and the Pontgravé Formation being carbonate-rich, can explain the variety of rocks found on the beaches in the area. The erosion of these formations over time results in a mix of sediments with different mineralogical characteristics, creating a range of textures and colors in the rocks. These pictures were taken at the beginning of spring, after the winter erosion caused by ice and water waves, which creates a new harvest of fossils that are ready to be collected, with no preparation necessary. I found some really cool fossils! I was crouching down to take pictures of them when I noticed some other people walking by and giving me curious looks. I got a little self-conscious, but I decided to smile and explain to them that I was just taking pictures of the fossils. To my surprise, they seemed interested and even came over to take a closer look with me. We ended up having a nice conversation about the Lorraine Group formation and the abundance of fossils in the area. It was really cool to connect with some strangers over a shared interest, and I'm glad I didn't let my initial self-consciousness stop me from taking a closer look at those fossils! When I take pictures of fossils in bubbling water, it's a really exciting and fun experience. The water creates these amazing patterns and textures around the fossil, making the whole image really dynamic and cool to look at. But it's not always easy! Sometimes the water creates glare or reflections that can be distracting and hard to deal with. And because the water is always moving, it can be tricky to get a good, clear shot of the fossil. Despite the challenges, getting a great photo of a fossil in bubbling water is really rewarding. The water creates a sense of movement and energy around the ancient remains, which makes the photo feel really alive and vibrant. To get the perfect shot, I usually try different camera settings and angles until I find what works best. I'll use a polarizing filter to cut down on glare and improve clarity, and I'll often use a tripod and a slower shutter speed to capture the motion of the water while still keeping the fossil in sharp focus. The fossils that I've discovered are estimated to be around 450 million years old, and have been preserved in amazing detail. It's experiences like these that make me appreciate the beauty and power of nature even more. As someone who combines my passion for photography and fossil collecting, I was delighted to capture the stunning colors and patterns of these fossils. I had been carefully photographing some beautiful crinoid segments that I had found while fishing for fossils in the Richelieu river. I had finally found the perfect angle, when suddenly something appeared in my frame. It was a white feather that had drifted into the shot, obscuring part of my subject. At first, I was frustrated that my perfect shot had been ruined by this unexpected intruder. But then, I took a step back and looked at the composition as a whole. I realized that the feather actually added an interesting element to the photo, creating a sense of movement and adding a touch of whimsy. So instead of deleting the photo or trying to edit out the feather, I decided to keep it in the shot, embracing the unexpected twist that nature had thrown my way. And in the end, the photo was even more appealing and unique because of it. Despite the mishap, I managed to capture some stunning pictures of the fossils, including this sowerbyella, which I'm thrilled to share with you. The abundance of fossils in the Lorraine Group is a testament to the richness of marine life that existed in the region during the Paleozoic era. These fossils have contributed greatly to our understanding of the geological history of eastern North America and continue to be a valuable resource for scientists studying the evolution of life on Earth. To end my day, I couldn't resist capturing theses naturally formed ice sculptures in water , they can be incredibly appealing because they represent a unique and fleeting moment in time. These sculptures are created by the forces of nature, as water and ice interact in complex ways to form stunning and intricate shapes. Each sculpture is completely unique, shaped by the specific conditions of the water and the temperature at the time it was formed. This means that no two sculptures are ever exactly alike, making them a true work of art created by the natural world. Additionally, the way that light interacts with the ice can create a stunning visual effect, with the ice taking on a glittering and iridescent appearance that is truly mesmerizing to behold. Overall, naturally formed ice sculptures in water represent a beautiful and awe-inspiring aspect of the natural world, one that is both visually stunning and endlessly fascinating to explore. For more information about my hunting site, look at my previous post which took place during winter and autumn : The day I went fishing for fossils (part I) (winter) The day I went fishing for fossils (part II) (winter) The day I went fishing for fossils (part III) (autumn) The day I went fishing for fossils (part IV) (spring) Happy Fishing!

Fall promises to be spectacular in many ways. If you dream of colors, you will like the following. I like fossil hunting in the fall, although it's not really hunting, the fossils are underwater so it's more like fishing. Anyway, this is one of my many trips to this place, it's not very far and it allows me to go for a weekend nature walk. This is Ordovician, the site is not as beautiful or rich in fossils as the other sites we see in this forum, but it is rich in brachiopods, crinoids, bryozoans and gastropods. This time, I chose a theme to showcase my special finds of the day. It's autumn in Quebec, we see all the colors! This year the province offers an extraordinary spectacle. Due to favorable conditions, autumn 2022 is marked by an extraordinary color season. This summer the trees have not been under great stress, which is favorable for an autumn with intense colors, the next few weeks should be just as much. Indeed, the season promises to be particularly hot and sufficiently sunny. According to the expert, clear nights will follow these beautiful days, which favors the coloring of the leaves. Enjoy! For more information about my hunting site, look at my previous post which took place during winter: The day I went fishing for fossils (part I) (winter) The day I went fishing for fossils (part II) (winter) This is my little special place were I go fishing for fossils

My first post was so popular that I decided to do a second. I went to the same place, and found more many rich and colorful fossils, and got enough material to write to you about it. For those who missed my first post, you will find it HERE As you will see in this article, I combine my two passions, collecting fossils and color photography. I love color, creating black and white photographs of fossils is good for scientific research, when you are a paleontologist and want to record the small details for science and posterity. But for people who are just starting to explore the world of fossils, we need something more inspiring, because to be fair, fossil photos are generally drab, and generally unappealing to the general public. Not that fossil collectors don't take great photos, I see fantastic photos all the time on TFF, but usually in a different context. I'm just trying to be a little different and take a picture of the fossils as I see them, in their natural environment. Maybe this will inspire the next generation of fossils collectors. This site is part of the Lorraine group (Chambly sub-formation). It contains the most recent sedimentary rock in the region, a series of clay and limestone schists that are redder towards the top. It's made up of clay schists, a sedimentary rocks of dynamic origin, formed by the splitting of existing rocks and calcareous schists, a sedimentary rocks formed by the accumulation of animal or plant matter in bodies of water. This region also bears the marks of the Quaternary geological era. Immediately after the last ice age, the whole St. Lawrence Valley and its waterways became a vast inland sea (the Champlain Sea) that stretched as far as today's Lake Champlain. The site is not as gorgeous or rich in fossils as the other sites we see in this forum, but it is rich in brachiopods, crinoids, bryozoans, and a few gastropods. Sorry @Kane no trilobites. Here are some photos to give you an idea of the site, it's a small beach where the fossils are underwater, so I'm literarily fishing for fossils. The formation is made up of many colorful stairs and steps leading to the water's edge. Like a time machine, each step takes you back a thousand years, where you can discover at each staircase the remains of a thriving fauna, long extinct. Don't expect to see anything bigger than a few inches, this is the Late Ordovician historically rock formation in the Richelieu River Valley in the St. Lawrence Lowlands rests on sedimentary rocks. which are some 450 million years old and formed during the Cambrian Period of the Paleozoic Era. I was able to photograph this hash plate full of sowerbyella at that special moment, when the water was receding after a previous wave. This is not a painting, just a photograph of what typical Ordovician fauna might have looked like 500 million years ago, almost as if we were there. I try to keep my hand dry and out of the freezing water, picking up the fossils between two waves, leaving the fossils out of the water. It was difficult to photograph the fossils underwater, because of the waves I took the photo at a time when the water was calmer and just before a wave came crashing on it. A lonely sowerbyella taking her beauty bath I found bi_valve playing hide and seek, with the bubbles A lot of times I hear that fossil and water aren't a good mix, but in my case it's a perfect match. The water acts as a sort of magical act, bringing these 450 million year old fossils back to life, infusing them with vibrant colors and hiding the passage of time. These normally terness fossils have a second life in this freezing water, small imperfections are hidden, making the texture smooth and lustrous, with beautiful vibrant colors. In homage of the Beatles, I call this one the Yellow Submarine Some brachiopod pile up over each other, I don't know what cause this rainbow of colors, the diffraction, the translucidities' of the fossils. Whatever the reason, it's a beautiful effect and a total surprise. A colorful brachiopod on a colorful rock I really like the contrast of theses two plate Don't need to search, no fossil here. Just a color full formation. Crinoid columnals are the most commonly recognized crinoid fossils, they are individual pieces of the column, or stalk, these resemble small washers. Olympic logos gone wild or Crinoid columnals, you choses. I particularly like the circles with a small star inside Columnals are joined together in life by elastic ligaments and skin. However, when the animal dies these soft tissues quickly decay and the stem break apart into individual ossicles, they leave behind a great many fossils. After the crashing waves, they sometimes cover themselves with air bubbles, giving this strange old world a new dimension. The hole in the center of the columnal is called the axial canal. It is most commonly round but may also be pentagonal or star-shaped, like this 1 millimeter fossil. Despite their small size some fossils can still be the star of the show. Bryozoans consist of a skeletal structure of calcium carbonate that has numerous tiny holes or openings dotting the surface. These holes once housed individual bryozoan animals called zooids, that derived their nutrients from the seawater. Atlas Of Ancient Life I found this briozoma all alone on this big boulder, strangely it comes out of the rock and comes back in right away. This is another bryozoan, it was on a smaller rock and I was able to collect it for my collection Most colonies were only a few inches in diameter but a colony of an Ordovician form found in the Cincinnati region ( Florence, Kentucky) is more than 26 inches in diameter and is one of the largest known bryozoan colonies. I really like this formation for it's richness of colors Photo taken in direct sunlight of a wet bi-valve Again, mother nature was playing with ice producing these wonderful sculptures everywhere we look. It was such a nice day, I couldn't resist taking some in picture. See other Ice sculpture Here. Crinoid columnals trapped under translucent ice. I found all theses fossils in just haft a day at that very special place. For those of you that did not see my previous post about my first fossil fishing trip, your in luck because it is still available HERE.

JFollowing the advice of some of the people on the forum here I spent part of yesterday afternoon collecting fossils near Kingston NY on the road cutouts on route 9W I was able to get quite a few decent hash plates consisting of Devonian Brachiopods. Unfortunately, I am not yet familiar enough with the area to identify these to the genus or species level (the only brachiopods I know how to ID are Laptaena because they are my favorites and sadly none of these are them). I also found what I think might be a trilobite tale but I think it could also just as easily be more brachiopods, and one fossil, the second to last one pictured here I think might be a broken platyceras or similar Gastropod but I am just not sure. Any help with ID’s would be much appreciated. I also have no way to get images with a reference for scale until later today as I am at my grandparents summer house which is basically a cabin in the woods lol with very little in the way of rulers or even coins.

I found this on one of my hash plate, is it what I think it is, a very small cephalopod ?

Hello guys, I should probably start this post by mentioning that I'm not a vertebrate guy. So if anything I say is wrong or laughable, this isn't my best subject. Today I bought two jaw pieces with no label for a ridiculously low price. I think they're Enchodus from Morocco, but I wanted to verify. Also, there are some various verts, shark teeth, etc. in the matrix, I think the visible shark tooth in piece #1 is Squalicorax, and I'm not sure about the one in #2. And the large vert on #1 might not be identifiable, but I thought I'd ask. Are there any major red lights? Any serious resto work? Thanks everybody! Jaw #1:

OK, so I picked this rather large hash plate up in Ohio just across the river from KY. Ordivician. Dead center and under the tape measure in this pic, is a nice trilo butt. Might be rolled, not sure. But as you can see, its a LARGE chunk. Its about 5 inches thick. And its heavy. I have been contemplating having at it and seeing whats hiding in its depths. Could end up with some nice smaller pieces I am thinking. What would you all do?

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of hunting with @GeschWhat and her daughter. We examined the Eau Claire Formation of the Cambrian in western Wisconsin. Lori had little interest in the trilobites that frequent this formation. She kept busy examining the matrix for trace fossils and other goodies it may reveal. She left the trilobites for her daughter. A large slab had broken free from the cliff during the winter and Lori discovered an interesting pattern on the surface. We worked on extracting a substantial chunk for her and in the process found a deeper layer of trilo-bits. I am a hash plate fanatic. So after she was done with the slab, I extracted a large sample containing the trilobites. Here is a corner of the hash plate: So the contest is a mindless one!!!!!! My kind of event. The person that guesses the number of trilobite cephalons and pygidiums on the hash plate is the winner!! The count was made using identifiable bits. Three counts were made and then averaged. One guess a day until a winner is found. At that point, I will share the hash plate with you and mail a smaller version to the winner. (Unfortunately postage out of the US can be spendy, so I will pay $20.00 if those overseas would like to participate). Good Luck! Mike

Hi, I am hoping someone will be able to tell me what all is on this little hash plate. My husband found it in Williamson County, TN. (Ordovician / I’m still trying to determine the geological formation in which it was found.) Thanks!

Hi, I’m hoping someone will let me know which type of fossils are in this rock. I found it in Alabama. (Mississippian/Tuscumbia Limestone) Thanks!

I am wondering if this hash plate from Penn Dixie has the cephalon imprint from a large trilobite, or is it from something else?

Picked this rock up while fishing the river over the summer. Since it's to bloody cold to do anything outside I figured I would clean it up and see what all the bits and pieces are. I think it will be pretty when it's done, although some of the fossils are eroded. It's like where's Waldo? See anything?

I have previously posted pics from this large hash plate, but didn’t post any of the areas pictured here. (I thought it was just part of the sediment.) Now I’m wondering if these could actually be fragments of the trilobits which were previously identified in other areas of this hash plate. Or possibly some type of thick shell?