They're Baaaaaack

One of our favorite Spring/Summer/Early Fall pass times around here is crab watching. I know it may not sound all that exciting, but once you spot the critters then can be mesmerizing. They are quick, feisty and can often be spotted sparring with each other.
We live just two blocks from the Elizabeth River, where we find lots of wildlife. Yesterday we spotted a Blue Heron, Canada Geese, mallards and a Snapper. We have also seen snakes, Egrets and heard tale of a stray American alligator, though we never actually saw him.

The blue crabs are our favorites to watch. We have managed to snatch one up once or twice so the kids could get a closer inspection before we set them free. We took a Blue Crab class at the local Mariner's Museum last year and we have learned to tell the males from females (the easiest way ~ females have red or purple claw tips). These crabs are found on menus all over town, and while they are tasty, their numbers are dwindling, so we prefer to just watch them. Last year we got lucky one day and found 23-30 of them all clamoring for food together right at the shore! How cool is that?!