The days are starting to get noticeably shorter and we are having fewer new nests, only two this week, but the hard work done by the momma turtles earlier this year is starting to pay off. We have had numerous adventurous scouts heading out of their nests and some nests have fully hatched. Three days after a nest hatches we take an inventory to determine how effective our efforts have been. We provide education about the turtles and real live hatchlings may be seen at these inventories. Please be sure to check Tidelines for dates and times.
Wind, rain and erosion continue to make life difficult for the sea turtles but gratitude is extended to Mike Vinson and Marnie Ellis for their extraordinary efforts to maintain the very fragile condominiums near Boardwalk 3.
On Tuesday, July 23, the first class band of walkers, Lynda Zegers, Lori Porwoll, Mary Van Deusen, Ruby Jenkins and Pam Salvestrini found Nest 56 about 200 yards from the end of the spit. Even though the coyotes found the nest first, 66 viable eggs were relocated to a safer spot closer to Boardwalk 1. Evening patrollers, Jeff Caporossi and Anne Snelgrove discovered two live hatchlings emerging from Nest 17 and escorted them to the water.
Then on Wednesday, July 24, Lynda Zegers was lucky again and found Nest 57 with Andrea Daley and Nancy Kupersmith. This nest was also found near the Spit on North Beach. No coyotes this time but the crabs found this nest. 96 viable eggs were relocated. We believe, based on the nest configuration, this was the work of the famed Tripod turtle. Nest 21 is also thought to have been laid by this same momma. She may have laid other nests this year on nearby beaches. It’s good to see that she is active.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday revealed no new nesting activity but emergences from nests have occurred and inventories conducted. Please check the Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol website or Tidelines for further information on upcoming inventories. Friday’s walkers did find an abandoned beach bonfire complete with leftover s’mores ingredients. Who leaves chocolate behind?
Other walkers on Friday managed to duck between raindrops and went all the way to the point of Camp Saint Christopher. They were rewarded by sights of dolphins and a beautiful view.
Inventory results from this past week:
Nest 2 – 106 hatched eggs, 2 unhatched and no dead or alive.
Due to the storms and high tides we were unable to see when this nest boiled so we waited 75 days from when it was laid to inventory this nest. We were extremely happy with these results as you never know what you will find in a nest that doesn’t show obvious signs of emergence.
Nest 10 – 101 hatched eggs, 11 unhatched, 2 live hatchlings, 0 dead
Nest 13 – 73 hatched eggs, 22 unhatched, 1 dead and, to the disappointment of a rather large crowd, no live
Nest 14 – 81 hatched eggs, 3 unhatched, 6 live hatchlings, 1 dead
Nest 15 – 57 hatched eggs, 22 unhatched, 13 live, 2 dead
This nest had been precariously perched on the ridge of a dune but Marnie Ellis and J-Anna Smith were able to dig and count without incident. They are both known for their efforts above and beyond the call of duty for these turtles.
-Submitted by Anne Snelgrove for Turtle Patrol
(Images credit: Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol)