Death on the beach

http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=20503

Beachcombing wasn't as much fun as I'd hoped so many dead shells, local fisherman was digging for lugworms and he said they'd all been wiped out as well. Par beach, right in the centre of St Austell Bay was totally littered with dead crabs and molluscs, hope there's going to be enough for for the birds locally. It all knocks on. The deaths were caused by a red algal bloom, read the link for more info.

On a good news note I found some oysters and one was still alive. God knows how the oyster catchers open them because I didn't manage to shift it an inch. Lots of oystercatchers around they are some colourful, noisy odd looking birds. RSPB have a lovely link here which also has an audio clip if you're not sure if you know their call. I bet as soon as you hear it you'll recognize it.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/o/oystercatcher/index.asp