Florida has 1200 miles of coastline, almost 700 miles of which are sandy beaches. Exploring along those beaches offers encounters with myriads of plants, animals, minerals, and manmade objects all are covered in this comprehensive guide with descriptive accounts of 822 items, 983 color images, and 431 maps. In addition to being an identification guide, the book reveals much of the wonder and mystery between dune and sea along Florida's long coastline. Learn more   Descriptive accounts, distribution maps, and 265 color photographs describe 252 species of mollusk shells as beachcombers are likely to find them. With simple organization, this book tells the story of each shell using images, maps, and descriptions on a single page. Stories include glimpses of each seashell’s former life, and secrets for finding seashell treasures that many beach visitors miss. Learn more   Streamlined and equipped with flippers, sea turtles seem uniquely adapted for water-yet remain firmly attached to land, where the females lay their eggs each year. They sport the many colors of the rainbow, range in weight from 100 to 1,300 pounds, and figure in the mythology and folklore of cultures around the world. And still, they currently risk extinction. In this book, marine biologist Blair Ernest Witherington, who has devoted decades to these ancient creatures, offers readers an in-depth look into their mysterious world. Accompanied by exquisite photographs, his descriptions comprise a personal introduction to these strangely graceful marine reptiles. Detailed, lively, and up-to-date imagery tells the story of sea turtles distant origins, their specialized form and undersea challenges, senses and life cycle, world voyages and navigational talents-and their ecological roles. Learn more