Decapitated penguin suggests fox attack

Although gruesome, this decapitated penguin -- found tangled in seaweed on 'our' beach -- suggests the work of a fox and brings to mind the excellent work done by the Phillip Island Nature Park Rangers in reducing the number of foxes on the island. It's estimated that between 20 to 30 foxes remain.

Other finds today included a crab, an elephant shark egg case and a couple of sea urchins (affectionately referred to as sea eggs by islanders).

Moulting crabs, lizards and snakes

It's common to find crab shells washed up on Phillip Island beaches -- but it's not often I find a whole crab.

In fact, in the 15 years I've been beachcombing on the island I've found less than five. Perhaps this is because the crabs keep such a firm hold of the rocks and seaweeds in which they live, using their pincers and clawed legs.

The top part of their body, however, sheds readily and is often found amongst the seaweeds and shells washed ashore. A crab sheds its shell as it grows, in a similar way to that of lizards and snakes.

P.S.
One of my photos shows a framed collection of crab shells, sea urchins and the bleached remains of a weedy sea dragon found during the first years of our beachcombing, here on the island.