While walking the beach at Harstine Island last week, I saw many sand dollars. I have never seen so many unbroken! The ones I have found in the past have always been broken, and I have heard (but I can’t confirm) that they are eaten by starfish. We happen to have a starfish crisis right now–they are dying off in huge numbers. I wondered if that is why there are so many intact shells on the beach.
Usually, sand dollars are white, but I came across some purple ones. While examining this one more closely, it appeared to be moving–almost like it was breathing–and I realized it must be alive. I don’t think I have ever seen this before, especially not the hypnotiic motion. (Forgive me for the quality of video. I have not practiced much doing video with my DSLR.)
https://youtu.be/YdhZrnQl6qY
Rich that was sooo cool and the video was just fine. Really enjoyed that and I have never seen it either and grew up by the beach.