High Tide for Horseshoe Crabs

Horseshoe crabs, shorebirds, and humans converge in a frenzy of activity.

Every spring millions of horseshoe crabs crawl to the beaches of Delaware Bay to lay their eggs. But they aren’t the only ones crowding ashore. Flocks of shorebirds migrating north from South America stop to feed on the horseshoe crab eggs. People also flock to the scene. Scientists and tourists turn out to see the spectacle and learn more about the creatures that call this habitat home for a few weeks. 

Alan Marks’ gorgeous paintings bring the reader down to the shoreline to observe this exciting annual event that interconnects species in a web of life and an ancient food chain.