A sign of the season- oysters, ready to be shucked, are left on a Ballard Oyster Company packing house table at breaktime. Some with sea lettuce still clinging to their shells, they were pulled from the water the same day they’ll be shucked into containers and readied for shipping. Oysters, packed tightly and kept cool, will be sent all over the United States to hungry consumers who are eager for the salty, creamy taste of the Chesapeake’s best shellfish bounty.