“Woodbine” ammonite (conlinoceras tarrantense) extravaganza

[Shaun-DFW Fossils]

A quick post to show a few nice lower eagle ford (Tarrant formation) ammonites from a 2-hour hunt this morning at a spot I visit every few months (or after it rains). I love how I can go back to the same spot and the “store shelves” are replenished repeatedly with new conlinoceras tarrantense. I’ve learned what the sandy yellowish-colored substrate looks like where these ammonites can be found, and it’s always exciting to see these rare gems starting to poke out. The biggest one (7.5” daimeter) is in the worst condition, but I will try to give it a total makeover. I really like the ones that have septarian veins still attached. I also included a few of my legless friends,a nonvenomous baby diamondback watersnake and a western ribbonsnake trying to eat a frog that looked too big to swallow (even for a snake). Dallas County, Texas. 

[Shaun-DFW Fossils]

I could technically break this into a new thread, but given that it’s the same location within a months time, I’ll just reply to this thread. 
I was thinking that going back to this Tarrant formation spot would be fruitless given the lack of rain, but the dying off of the algae in the creek and the even lower level of water made for a surprisingly productive 1.5 hour excursion today. The other factor was the location of the sun over a partly shaded section of the creek. The powerful localized light beams were like spotlights in the water. Sadly, the ammonites no longer have eyes that might have reflected light (jk). I found nine additional conlinoceras tarrantense ammonites today, and the best 6” diameter ammonite of this species I’ve found. The ammonites pulled from the creek water have variable levels of wear due to the impact of water acidity and erosion, understandably, but I found one pristine specimen coming straight out of the formation, and another 1-2 that don’t appear to have been in the water for long. This experience goes to show how subtle shifts in conditions can yield favorable results when combined with the ability to be methodical about looking in the right areas.  

[Jaybot]

10 hours ago, Shaun-DFW Fossils said:

This experience goes to show how subtle shifts in conditions can yield favorable results when combined with the ability to be methodical about looking in the right areas.  

Bingo That has been my experience as well.