River treasures

Collecting along the Potomac river at a small Paleocene locale has over time become less and less productive.  The fossil layer is super hard material that just doesn't erode fast enough to keep up with the collecting pressures.  On any given day you can pic up several worn and faded sandtigers, but most collectors are there for the elusive Otodus and rarer Paleocarcharodon.  Another even rarer tooth in my opinion is the Paraorthocodus clarki.  I have three times more Paleo's than P. clarkii teeth. 

What I enjoy most about collecting along the river is the scenery and wildlife.  On any given day you'll startle a few deer in thee woods, maybe some Turkey or other birds.  Once on the beach you'll see a variety of Bald Eagles, Osprey, Turkey Vultures, Blue Heron, and other birds.  On your mile long walk along the beach you'll stumble upon snakes, lizards, and all sorts of insects.  Depending on the time of year, you may see some neat foilage, flowers, plants, and even a wild tomato plant or two (I have no idea where they came from but I ate one once and it was great!).  You're almost guaranteed a tear or two in your waders or skin as you cross and climb over the million or so fallen trees.  You may even skin a knee as you slip on the slimy covered rocks as you walk around some of the fallen trees, or better yet, trip over one of the hidden branches from the fallen trees.  I'm not really complaining, just describing how interesting your walk is on the way to the hunting area.

Below are some of the nicer finds from some trips spanning 2007 and 2008 so far.  You'll see some decent Otodus and a couple of Paleo's, but no P.clarkii.  I actually found a couple of them but they were only partials and really worn.  It's funny how sought after the Paleo's are from Maryland compared to those from Morocco.  The ones from Morocco are much bigger, have bigger serrations and cusps, etc.  Yet, because they are so plentiful, almost no one wants them.  The fact that the ones in MD are rare makes it that much more exciting when you find one.