The Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol began their daily walks on the beach on Thursday, May 10th but it took until May 18th to get the first nest.
Friday, May 18th
We have Nest #1! Walkers Sandy MacCoss, Alison Bowers, Kathy Noel and Joleen Ardaiolo called early with our first crawl of the season in the protected bird area on North Beach. It was a meandering crawl in wind-blown sand. Bill Greubel responded and Bill and Sandy worked the crawl. Sandy found the nest! It was above the high tide line so it was left in situ. Unfortunately, no pictures were taken of the team with their nest because it was in the protected bird area and we want to keep foot traffic to a minimum. We do have a picture of the crawl courtesy of Glen Cox.
Saturday, May 19th
Bill Greubel was out walking Zones 2 and 3 early this morning. At 6:20 am called in a crawl about 100 yards north of Boardwalk 3. Shortly after that he called again with a crawl near Boardwalk 2.
Sandy MacCoss and Terry Fansler were sent out in the downpour to probe. Terry found Nest 2! It was the crawl near Boardwalk 3. They decided that the nest needed to be relocated and moved the 147 eggs to a new pit which Bill Greubel dug. Bill also probed the crawl near Boardwalk 2 but it ended up being a false crawl.
Thanks to all for weathering the elements this morning.
Sunday, May 20th
The day started early with a crawl between Boardwalks 1 & 2. Valerie and Mark Doane along with Rachael, Marshall and Niva Carter found the crawl. Mark and Valerie are both walkers and probers today and they found the eggs. Sandy MacCoss arrived and it was collectively decided that the nest needed to be relocated to a safer location.
Meanwhile, Diana Cohen called to report a crawl in the protected bird nesting area between the two dog signs on North Beach. She and the other walkers marked the area with orange tape and the Doanes and Sandy were notified to investigate after finishing Nest 3. After extensive probing it was decided that this was a false crawl. It has been marked and the area will be watched when it is hatching time.
Hopefully, next week will continue to produce more nests.
-Submitted by Gary Fansler