The lowest tide of the year was June 5, so the Sounder staff decided to get out of the office and take to the beach.

Indian Island Marine Health Observatory Field Research Days hosted “bivalve digs” and kids of various ages were seen tromping around in the sand fascinated by the many vibrant and different colored starfish. Indian Island itself was off limits to protect several new oystercatcher chicks. So next time you make a visit make sure to steer clear until the sign is removed.

June 5 also brought a treat in the sky known as the Transit of Venus. The transit occurs when Venus travels between the sun and the earth. An event so rare that no one alive today will likely see it again.