Small mountains of sand punctuate the shore. The tide will slowly wash away all trace of the harvest.
A clam hunter leans on their shovel as they reach into the murky depths of sand and water in search of the coveted mollusk. Their companion watches for the next wave; that surge of water, salt, and sand that will render their work fruitless. The sandpipers look on tauntingly.
Gulls, crows, and sandpipers scavenge from the holes of failed attempts dotted along the beach. It’s difficult to tell the difference between the signs of a clam and a shrimp. Clams are adept at digging and propelling themselves into the sand. The shrimp simply float their way to the surface as if to taunt and discourage the clammer. The birds ate well.