Our early nests are showing signs of boiling, which means more hatchlings making their way out to sea! A “boil” is when the baby sea turtles hatch and emerge from their underground nest at the same time. As they scramble toward the surface, the sand shifts and churns, creating an effect that looks much like water bubbling in a boiling pot.
On Monday, July 20, Nest 3 was inventoried after boiling a few days before. A very enthusiastic crowd cheered on two hatchlings as they headed out for the long swim to the Sargasso Sea and then onward to Southwest Europe/Northwest Africa. After the shells were removed from the nest, 98 shells were found – meaning 98 babies emerged under their own steam, and with the two hatchlings, there was a total of 100 hatchlings that surfaced from this nest.
Enjoy some pictures of Nest 3 Inventory.
The mission of Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol is to protect and preserve sea turtles. Click here for more information.
-Submitted by Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol
(Photo credit: Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol)