Periwinkles Cosying Up

Periwinkles (Littorina littorea) had taken over this small trapezoid shaped stone on the beach at Lower Largo. The stone was only around 7 to 8 inches long but on each face of the stone the periwinkles were tightly packed together.

Barnacles et al.

 On barnacle covered rocks one can sometimes see tiny periwinkles between and sometimes in the barnacle shells.

In this photo as well as the periwinkles there are also tiny mussels. Notice also the pitting on the barnacle shells. (Click to enlarge photo) The pitting is said to be caused by a lichen.
Note: For more information on the small periwinkles and the pitted barnacles, I highly recommend 'Jessica's Nature Blog.'

Periwinkles Making Tracks

Periwinkle. Can just see the tentacles coming out from the front of the shell.

Took a walk from Lower Largo along the disused railway line. Saw a yellow wagtail in the trees on the landward side of the path. Walked back along the beach as the tide was going out. Noticed there were tracked grooves in the sand, and then saw that it was the periwinkles that were making the tracks.

In this photo (above) can clearly see the track that the periwinkle has made.

Periwinkles attached to a nearby rock. The periwinkles on the move seemed to be going in the direction of this rock. (Click on photos to see larger images)