January 2024 The Scotch Bonnet Seashell Was in Abundance
Its said, “even a blind squirrel can find a nut.”
I’ve seen a lot of great shell raking days, some better than others, unfortunately sometimes you even leave empty handed.
Not this day in early January 2024! You would be tripping over the scotch bonnet seashell, if you found the honeyhole, of course!
A Scotch Bonnet Seashell Hunt Make a Great OBX Activity
Here are a few pictures of the January 2024 scotch bonnet seashell rake in action. It was after a powerful winter storm. You can typically find scotch bonnets most times of the year following storms, but the winter definitely brings in the larges hauls. I wish we took more pictures, we literally had bonnets falling out of our pockets on this find.
Gallery of Scotch Bonnet Seashells Found in Ocracoke Winter of 24′
Bonnets sure are pretty to look at. The colors range in bright reds, tans and peach color for the younger ones and eventually turn more white, greys and black as they continue to age in the ocean.
Good Luck On Your Scotch Bonnet Seashell Hunt
General Tips to Find the Scotch Bonnet Seashell
The Scotch Bonnet is the state shell of North Carolina. It lives in the gulf stream, but strong currents and storms move weaker and uninhabited shells toward the coast. Most Scotch Bonnet Seashells are found south of the Avon/Hatteras area of the Outer Banks.
- Right after strong storms (especially hurricane and winter storms)
- Check the high tide lines, seaweed, brush and in-between
- Low Tide is great time to find exposed sand bars and shell pockets that are actively pushing up shells
- Off-Shore wind conditions help to push shells up and the water out
- Be first! The early bird typically gets the seashell game
You can find our scotch bonnets in various decor or in our seashell showcases at our Live Swell Beach Homes.
How We Clean Our Scotch Bonnet Seashells
The ocean roll & natural sand blasting journey of seashells en route to the shoreline is the best process to clean out seashells. However, when you pull a large load, like we often do, you may want clean them up a bit.
- Soak with hot water and soap for 1-2 days (helps to remove any left over sand or gunk)
- Hose rinse and repeat the soaking process at least one more time
- Air dry shells to inspect and sort
- Optional: Apply mineral oil (lightly) with a rag to polish up
