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Friends of Hunting Island Turtle Photos: |
2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting Season
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History & Stats |
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Hatchin' is happenin' |
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8/1/07: Turtles are no exception to the apple doesn't fall far from the tree rule.
(And I know you are not going to believe this.) Many of us have been quite taken by the Turtle that we have named Stumpy
and we have assumed that her disfigured flipper, was from an accidental happening at sea.
Well today, Denise inventoried one of Stumpy's nests
and there were hatchlings needing help to make their way to the water. No big thing, except two of the
hatchlings had disfigured flippers just like Stumpy's!! |
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Ghost Crab: Turtlet Enemy #1
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You guessed it, our Turtles have sung sweetly to us!! On this our last day of
regular morning patrols, nest 63 with 115 eggs was relocated!! So for a season that all educated guesses
pointed to being lower than last year, we have passed last year's nesting.
Who knows, those Turtle gals may just have another nest or two for us. At this point it is up to the
Hunting Island staff's watchful eyes. If activity continues, an emergency patrol will be assembled.
But for now, our Turtle song is 63 nests!
An amazing season, THANKS to you all!!!
...vturtle
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #63
Date it was laid: August 5
How many eggs: *115*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Sept. 18th, 55d: Sept. 28th, 65d: Oct. 7th
Success:
% success
Notes: One Momma turtle just didn't want to give up nesting this season! After a week
or more of absolutely no turtle activity, volunteers found a nest in Zone 5. A false crawl in Zone 2 was
also found today, though it was believed to be the same turtle. The nest contained a total of 117 eggs,
none of which were broken. The nest was laid near a dune area in Zone 5, so volunteers and staff decided
to relocate it just a little higher and in the same area. |
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Running Total as of July 27
Number of Nests: 62
False Crawls: 100 (wow!) |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #62
Date it was laid: July 27
How many eggs: *82*
(2 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Sept 9th , 55d: Sept 19th, 65d: Sept 29th
Success:
% success
Notes: The second nest found on today, Nest 62, was laid by a momma turtle who thought
twice about where to put her eggs. Within the crawl tracks, two body pit areas were created, but only
one held the treasure! Within the nest, a total of 82 eggs were found, none of which were broken. Yet
again, momma turtle laid her nest a little too close to the tide line for our liking, so we decided to
relocate her babies to higher ground within Zone 4. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #61
Date it was laid: July 27
How many eggs: *102*
(2 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Sept 9th , 55d: Sept 19th, 65d: Sept 29th
Success:
% success
Notes: After 3 days of false crawls and no activity, two nests were found in the same
day! (This was exciting because it has been a while since two nests were found on the same day!). Nest
61 was found midway within Zone 4. The nest contained a total of 102 eggs, two of which were broken.
Because momma turtle laid her eggs a little further down the beach, we decided to relocate the nest
to higher and more safe ground. |
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We are down to our last two official weeks of patrolling. Nesting has slowed
down, but I feel that it is not over yet. So don't plan on stopping patrolling. We are good till the 15th.
Our nest count is holding at 62, but I had another nest here in Coffin Point and
we moved it to Hunting Island. No sooner than I finished putting the last marking stake in, a call came
in about a second crawl at the other end of my beach. Laurel was to handle that call. So there is still
a lot of local Turtle activity and I hope every Turtle team gets at least one more nest!! ...vturtle
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #60J
Date it was laid: July 23
How many eggs: *??*
Relocated? NO
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Sept 5th , 55d: Sept 15th, 65d: Sept 25th
Success:
% success
Notes: Yet another in situ nest! This nest was found by volunteers in Zone 5 at the
northern end between the first green and yellow cabins. At this time, we do not know how many eggs are
in the nest since volunteers and staff kept the nest in place. No eggs were found broken on the surface
or within the nest shaft. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #59
Date it was laid: July 22
How many eggs: *111*
(2 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Sept 4th , 55d: Sept 14th, 65d: Sept 24th
Success:
% success
Notes: Nest 59 was found by volunteers and staff in Zone 5 where the erosion is great
and also unpredictable. Because of this unpredictability we decided to relocate the nest to Zone 4,
within the Zone 4 nest cluster area in high dune territory. The nest was found to have 111 eggs total,
with 2 broken. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #58I
Date it was laid: July 18
How many eggs: *??*
Relocated? NO
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 31st , 55d: Sept 10th, 65d: Sept 20th
Success:
% success
Notes: Two in situ nests in one day! Nest 58I was also found in Zone 2, above the wrack
by the 1st campsite heading North along the beach. Yet again, because this nest was left in place by
volunteers and staff, we do not have a total egg count at this time. |
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Although Hunting Island is a little piece of heaven, it is also home to many of
nature's nuisances and that includes a variety of assault insects. It is a good idea after morning patrols,
to make sure that some of these insects have not decided to call you home. This is definitely the tick season.
I know that we all are trying to use any protection spray sparingly, so as to not contaminate any Turtle eggs.
When leaving the beach, you might want to give yourself a little brush off and shake down.
...vturtle |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #57H
Date it was laid: July 18
How many eggs: *??*
Relocated? NO
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 31st , 55d: Sept 10th, 65d: Sept 20th
Success:
% success
Notes: It's one of those rare nests found in Zone 2! This momma turtle decided to do
a nature hike through the woods to find a safe place to lay her nest! At the beach-side of the
Lighthouse Nature Trail trailhead, nest 57H can be found tucked safely away in the woods.
We do not have a total egg count at this time because the nest was left in place (in situ). |
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Notes: This Momma Turtle was certainly a busy bee! She made quite an expansive track
amongst the huge cluster of relocated nests in Zone 4. The turtle spent so much time trying to find a
good location that she most probably got tired and in the end did not put much energy into laying her eggs.
Instead of a typical inverted lightbulb nest shape, momma |
2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #56
Date it was laid: July 15
How many eggs: *127*
(59 broken due to predation)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
Aug 28th, 55d: Sept 7th, 65d: Sept 17th
Success:
% success
turtle made a cone shaped nest that was very shallow. Because of this, the nest was
sadly found out by raccoons. The raccoons managed to break into the nest and eat about 59 eggs!
Only 68 were salvaged by volunteers during the a.m. turtle patrol.
Because the nest was laid so close to the mesh of nest number 26, volunteers and staff decided to
relocate number 56 a little further north in the Zone 4 nest cluster area. |
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After a few days of heat respite, we hit the double nickel nest mark today -
55 nests!! As we continue to have a very nice season, I thought you might like to hear about how other
Turtles are doing this year. We don't see the Kemp's Ridley very often on Hunting Island:
Click here for more.
Have fun with the Turtles this weekend and remember with
this heat, your Turtle gear should include a water bottle! ...vturtle
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #55
Date it was laid: July 13
How many eggs: *102*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 26th, 55d: Sept 5th, 65d: Sept 15th
Success:
% success
Notes: Due to the high tide during AM turtle patrol, volunteers and staff were not able
to reach certain areas of the beach. Later in the day, Interpretive Ranger Laurel Weeks was leading a group
on a beach walk within Zone 2 and discovered turtle tracks in an area of the beach that wasn't reachable
that morning. Upon further investigating the tracks, a nest was found! The nest held a total of 112 eggs,
none of which were broken. Because the nest was located in Zone 2 where the tide comes up particularly high,
the nest was relocated to a more safe area in Zone 1. |
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We did not have a nest this morning. But Thursday get ready!! Zone 4 had a crawl
with three body pits and no nest. I am thinking that she has got to come back tonight. And this crawl from
today, may have been made by Stumpy -- she definitely had a flipper problem.
Here's how our sister projects are doing:
Harbor Island - 7
Hunting Island SP - 54 (!)
Fripp Island - 11
Pritchard's Island - 16
St. Phillips Island - 4
Local Totals - 92
Keep an eye out, our first nest could start hatching out in this next week! ...vturtle |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #54
Date it was laid: July 9
How many eggs: *84*
Relocated? YES
Hatched:
Aug 30th
Success:
% success
Notes: Nest 54 was found by volunteers in Zone 3 of the beach, just north of the bathhouse
area. The nest contained a total of 84 eggs, none of which were broken. Volunteers relocated the turtle eggs
to a more safe area in Zone 4. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #53
Date it was laid: July 7
How many eggs: *108*
Relocated? YES
Hatched:
Aug 31st
Success:
% success
Notes: About two to three hundred yards down from nest No. 52 was Nest 53 in Zone 4.
The nest contained a total of 108 eggs, none of which were broken. The nest was laid by Momma Turtle
below the wrack line, so volunteers moved the nest higher up from the ocean in the same area. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #52
Date it was laid: July 7
How many eggs: *116*
Relocated? YES
Hatched:
Sept 1st
Success:
% success
Notes: Nest 52 was the first of two lucky nests on 07/07/07! The nest was discovered
by volunteers and staff in Zone 5 on the beach. Because of Zone 5's high tide lines, volunteers and staff
decided to relocate the nest to the big relocated nest cluster in Zone 4. Momma turtle laid a total
of 116 eggs in this nest. |
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Running Total as of July 6
Number of Nests: 51
False Crawls: 74 |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #51
Date it was laid: July 6
How many eggs: *128*
Relocated? YES
Hatched: Aug 24th
Success: 116
91% success
Notes: Nest 51 was also found on the 6th of July, keeping up our 2 nests per day average.
The nest was found in the middle of Zone 3 and contained a total of 128 eggs without any broken ones! The
nest was relocated to higher ground in Zone 3 to avoid getting washed away and trampled on by people.
Unfortunately, it has come to the point in the nesting season where those dreaded
raccoons and ghost crabs have caught onto our nest protecting scheme. Multiple nests have been
"visited" by hungry raccoons looking for a quite meal off of our turtle nests. Some raccoons
have been successful in digging up the nests, whereas others have dug a little, and then gave up after not
finding eggs.
A third nest was transplanted on Hunting Island on this day - another Coffin Point
nest! This nest, coined CP6, is the 6th nest found in this area of Beaufort. Friends volunteer Vivian Wayne
discovered this nest, and decided Hunting Island would be a safer place for the turtle babies to develop.
The nest was moved into Zone 4, north of the South Beach bath house area. |
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Well, we have our golden nest and are moving on. Our total nest count is at 51!
And I had another nest in Coffin Point, that we relocated to Hunting Island.
The following is a chart that Carrie has been keeping current:
Most Popular Days of the Week by Zone
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Z-1 |
Z-2 |
Z-3 |
Z-4 |
Z-5 |
Z-6 |
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2 |
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2 |
1 |
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| Tues |
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3 |
2 |
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| Wed |
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1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
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| Thur |
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1 |
3 |
4 |
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| Fri |
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2 |
3 |
1 |
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| Sat |
1 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
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| Sun |
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1 |
2 |
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Saturday is definitely the most popular! ...vturtle |
Notes: Nest 50 was the first of two nests to be found on the 6th. It was discovered by
staff at the very southern end of Zone 5. The nest contained a total of 113 eggs, one of which was broken.
After probing the nest and collecting up the eggs, volunteers moved the nest to safer ground in Zone 4.
Zone 5 has become virtually unpredictable due to erosion, and Zone 4 was our safest bet for location. |
2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #50
Date it was laid: July 6
How many eggs: *113*
(1 broken)
Relocated? YES
Hatched:
45d: Aug 19th, 55d: Aug 29th, 65d: Sept 8th
Success:
% success
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #49G
Date it was laid: July 5
How many eggs: *??*
(30 broken)
Relocated? NO
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 18th, 55d: Aug 28th, 65d: Sept 7th
Success:
% success
Notes: Nest 49 was a third nest found on the 5th. Unfortunately, a raccoon or two got
to the nest before Friends volunteers and staff did, and 30 egg shells were found on top of the nest area.
The nest was found in Zone 4 along with the other two nests. Due to Momma Turtle laying the nest in a good
spot for incubation, volunteers and staff decided to leave the nest in situ. Since we did not move the nest,
we do not know the total egg count for nest 49G at this time. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #48
Date it was laid: July 5
How many eggs: *134*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 18th, 55d: Aug 28th, 65d: Sept 7th
Success:
% success
Notes: Nest 48, also found on July 5th was originally found by volunteers in Zone 4
of the beach. The nest contained a total of 134 eggs, none of which were broken. Because Momma Turtle
laid her babies in the tide zone on the beach, volunteers and staff decided to relocate the nest to
higher ground in Zone 4. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #47F
Date it was laid: July 5
How many eggs: *??*
Relocated? NO
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 18th, 55d: Aug 28th, 65d: Sept 7th
Success:
% success
Notes: Nest 47 was found by Friends and staff in Zone 4 of the beach. Momma turtle laid
the nest in an ideal location for incubation, so volunteers and staff decided to keep the nest in its
original spot. Since the nest was left in situ, we do not know the total egg count at this time. |
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Our Turtles are celebrating this wonderful 4th of July holiday!! And the nests
like fireworks are coming up in multiples. A total of 46 nests as of today (one of our nests today,
was a double celebration as it was Maureen Hynes' birthday - and she could not have been more delighted,
had it been a gift from the jewelry store )!!
We had 42 nests last year at this time, so this season's
girls are not letting last year's group out do them. ...vturtle |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #46
Date it was laid: July 4
How many eggs: *88*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 17th, 55d: Aug 27th, 65d: Sept 6th
Success:
% success
Notes: Also on July 4th, Nest 46 was found. The nest was laid in Zone 2 and contained
a total of 88 eggs. No eggs were broken. After discovering and exploring the nest, the turtle eggs were
relocated to Zone 1. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #45
Date it was laid: July 4
How many eggs: *142*
(10 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 17th, 55d: Aug 27th, 65d: Sept 6th
Success:
% success
Notes: Nest 45 was found by volunteers and staff in Zone 5 of the beach. The nest was
relocated to Zone 4 because of the unpredictability of Zone 5's erosive behavior. Momma turtle laid 142
eggs, 10 of which were broken due to raccoon predation. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #44
Date it was laid: July 3
How many eggs: *86*
(2 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 16th, 55d: Aug 26th, 65d: Sept 5th
Success:
% success
Notes: The second nest found that day was located in the Zone 4 area. 88 total eggs were
discovered by volunteers, two of which were broken. The group decided to relocate the nest to higher
ground in Zone 4. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #43
Date it was laid: July 3
How many eggs: *115*
(3 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 16th, 55d: Aug 26th, 65d: Sept 5th
Success:
% success
Notes: The 3rd day of July was quite a busy one indeed! With 5 false crawls and 2 nests,
volunteers and staff were running about on the beach in turtle frenzy! Nest 43 was found about 200 yards
from the yellow cabin in Zone 5. The nest contained a total of 115 eggs, 3 of which were broken. The
volunteers and staff decided to relocate the nest to higher ground near the cluster of relocated nests
in Zone 4. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #42
Date it was laid: July 1
How many eggs: *123*
(12 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 14th, 55d: Aug 24th, 65d: Sept 3rd
Success:
% success
Notes: The fourth and final nest found on the 1st of July was nest No. 42.
The nest was discovered by volunteers in Zone 3. Volunteers probed the nest and found 123
total eggs, but 12 were broken. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #41
Date it was laid: July 1
How many eggs: *138*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 14th, 55d: Aug 24th, 65d: Sept 3rd
Success:
% success
Notes: The 3rd nest found on the first day of July was nest 41. It was also laid in
Zone 5, but because of the unpredictability of the area's extent of erosion, volunteers and staff decided
to relocate the nest to Zone 4. The nest contained a total of 138 eggs, none of which were broken. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #40
Date it was laid: July 1
How many eggs: *123*
(2 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 14th, 55d: Aug 24th, 65d: Sept 3rd
Success:
% success
Notes: Nest 40, being 2nd of the 4 nests, was also found in Zone 5. The nest contained
a total of 123 eggs, with 2 broken. Because momma turtle laid the nest in a tidal zone area in Zone 5,
volunteers relocated the nest to a higher area in Zone 4. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #39
Date it was laid: July 1
How many eggs: *131*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 14th, 55d: Aug 24th, 65d: Sept 3rd
Success:
% success
Notes: On 7/1 four nests were found! Nest 39 was an interesting one indeed in Zone 5!
Momma turtle decided that she wanted to put a roof over her babies, so she laid her eggs UNDERNEATH
A CABIN! It took volunteers a while just to locate the nest, but found buried treasure upon probing.
The nest contained 131 eggs, none of which were broken. Volunteers thought it best to move the nest
from underneath the cabin to ensure minimal human interaction. Since Zone 5 has been a
high-flood risk area due to the tides this year, volunteers moved the nest into Zone 4. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #38
Date it was laid: June 30
How many eggs: *64*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 13th, 55d: Aug 23rd, 65d: Sept 2nd
Success:
% success
Notes: Nest No. 38 was also found on that same very busy Saturday! This nest was
located in Zone 1, north of the campground beach area. The nest was a small one, only containing 64
eggs. The nest was relocated to higher and safer ground. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #37
Date it was laid: June 30
How many eggs: *107*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 13th, 55d: Aug 23rd, 65d: Sept 2nd
Success:
% success
Notes: Nest 37 was also found on the 30th in Zone 3! The nest tracks were found only
about 100 feet away from a false crawl in the same zone. It could possibly have been the same turtle!
Because the nest was laid in the tide zone, volunteers carefully relocated the
nest southward to the sand fencing area in Zone 3. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #36E
Date it was laid: June 30
How many eggs: *??*
Relocated? NO
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 13th, 55d: Aug 23rd, 65d: Sept 2nd
Success:
% success
Notes: Another momma turtle on the beach! Volunteers watched in Zone 4, about 100
yards south of the Zone 4 nest clutter, as the turtle was finishing up her nesting. She chose an
excellent place to lay her nest—crawling over all of the wrack to get to safe sand.
Volunteers waved goodbye to momma turtle as she headed back for the ocean. We then got down to business,
probed the nest to ensure we found the nest center, and then covered it up with protective mesh and posts. |
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Running Total as of June 29
Number of Nests: 35
False Crawls: 57 |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #35
Date it was laid: June 29
How many eggs: *??*
Relocated? NO
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 12th, 55d: Aug 22nd, 65d: Sept 1st
Success:
% success
Notes: The second nest found on the 29th was located in Zone 4, south of the
new fencing project where the sea oats were planted. This nest is the first nest in a very long
while that we have been able to leave "in situ" or at its original location.
If you recall, our last nest left in its original location was Nest 10. Because it was left
in place, volunteers were not able to get an official egg count at this time. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #34
Date it was laid: June 29
How many eggs: *73*
(35 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 12th, 55d: Aug 22nd, 65d: Sept 1st
Success:
% success
Notes: Two more nests were found by volunteers on Friday the 29th!
The first of the two, number 34, was located in Zone 4 at the southern end about 50 yards
south of the gray colored cabin. Sadly, many raccoon tracks were found around the nest
and volunteers found 35 eggshells on the nest site and in the wrack area. 73 viable
eggs were found and relocated to avoid predation and washing away by the tide. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #33
Date it was laid: June 28
How many eggs: *97*
(2 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 11th, 55d: Aug 21st, 65d: Aug 31st
Success:
% success
Notes: The turtle nests keep on coming! The 28th brought about nest
number 33 onto our Hunting Island beach. The nest was located in Zone 3 near some nests
that were previously located. This nest contained a total of 97 eggs, two of which were broken.
Though the nest was near other nests, it was still a little further down toward the
tide line than we liked, so volunteers decided to relocate it to higher ground. |
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Get ready, the heat is on!! You are probably noticing, that at the end
of your patrol, you are feeling the heat and humidity. And that can be a good thing.
Historically, once we get into warmer temperatures, our nesting numbers escalate at a
faster pace. This is when we usually start getting daily multiple nests.
Today was no exception, with two new nests, total is up to 32!!
And I had another surprise at my home beach, with another nest bringing our total to 5.
So get ready to double up on the nests and think about bringing
a bottle of water out with you to help manage the morning heat. And now we know why the
Turtles come up at night to nest, they are really smart gals! ...vturtle |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #32
Date it was laid: June 27
How many eggs: *88*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 10th, 55d: Aug 20th, 65d: Aug 30th
Success:
% success
Notes: The second of the two nests found on the 27th was located in Zone 3
about 200 yards South of the volley ball net by the lighthouse beach area. The nest contained
a total of 88 eggs with none broken! Due to the high amount of people traffic, volunteers
decided to relocate the nest to a more quiet area. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #31
Date it was laid: June 27
How many eggs: *121*
(2 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 10th, 55d: Aug 20th, 65d: Aug 30th
Success:
% success
Notes: After a day of absolutely no turtle activity on the 26th, the 27th was
given a warm welcome by volunteers. Two more nests were found on this day! The first of two
(Nest 31) was found in Zone 4, South of the beach bathhouse area. The nest contained a total
of 121 eggs, and two were found to be broken. Due to the tide line, the nest was relocated to
higher ground in Zone 4. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #30
Date it was laid: June 25
How many eggs: *105*
(1 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 8th, 55d: Aug 18th, 65d: Aug 28th
Success:
% success
Notes: The second of two nests found on the 25th was nest number 30. It was
also found at the campground beach area in Zone 2. The nest contained a total of 105 eggs,
one of which was broken. The nest was relocated to a more quiet and safe area. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #29
Date it was laid: June 25
How many eggs: *115*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 8th, 55d: Aug 18th, 65d: Aug 28th
Success:
% success
Notes: Two Momma turtles decided to nest very near each other on the beach on
the 25th! Both nests were found in Zone 2 at the campground beach area. The first nest found by
volunteers had 115 eggs, none of which were broken. Because of the campground beach being such
a high traffic area for beach goers, volunteers decided to relocate the nest to higher ground. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #28
Date it was laid: June 24
How many eggs: *102*
(3 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 7th, 55d: Aug 17th, 65d: Aug 27th
Success:
% success
Notes: What a day! As soon as volunteers and staff arrived on the beach,
calls begin coming over the radios about crawls everywhere! After investigating, we had one
nest and three false crawls for the day, all spaced out among the zones. Nest 28 was found
by volunteers in Zone 4 near the bath house area. A total of 102 eggs were found in this nest,
but 3 were broken prior to nest exploration by volunteers. The nest was relocated to higher
ground to keep out of beach traffic and the tidal zone. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #27
Date it was laid: June 23
How many eggs: *119*
(7 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 6th, 55d: Aug 16th, 65d: Aug 26th
Success:
% success
Notes: The second of the two nests found on the 23rd was located in Zone 2,
right in front of the campground area. After a thorough probing of the body pit, we found
the eggs! The nest contained a total of 119 eggs, 7 of which were broken at the bottom of
the nest. The nest was relocated further north and away from the high traffic of the
campground beach area. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #26
Date it was laid: June 23
How many eggs: *87*
(7 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 6th, 55d: Aug 16th, 65d: Aug 26th
Success:
% success |
Notes: Two-fer! We found two nests in one day! It has been a while since
we had a multiple-nest day. The previous day we could tell that momma turtles were gearing
up into action because there were 5 false crawls, but no nests! On the 23rd, Nest 26 was
found by volunteers in Zone 5. The nest contained a total of 87 eggs, but sadly 7 of those
were broken. Even more sad is the fact that the 7 broken were laying outside of the nest
when volunteers arrived on the scene. This led us to believe that a raccoon decided to have
a late night snack and steal some of Momma's eggs while she was laying them. Once the animal
got it's fill on the eggs, he left them scattered by the nest. How rude! The nest was relocated
to higher ground due to the high tide line. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #25
Date it was laid: June 21
How many eggs: *63*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 4th, 55d: Aug 14th, 65d: Aug 24th
Success:
% success
Notes: After taking the 20th off for a day of rest, the Momma turtles got back into
gear on the 21st. Nest 25 was discovered by volunteers in Zone 2 at the north end by the boardwalk
entrance. The nest contained a total of only 63 eggs, none of which were broken. The nest was
relocated in efforts to keep it away from the high traffic area near the campground. |
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On the 19th, volunteers found a nest and also worked to
relocate a previously discovered turtle nest that was in jeopardy of being washed away by the
tide. Stumpy's nest (found on May 26th) was under so much Spartina grass
from the tides that the staff decided to relocate it. Since this nest was in situ to begin with,
we did not get an original egg count. After relocating on the 19th, we found Stumpy's nest to
have a total of 126 eggs, including two broken. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #24
Date it was laid: June 19
How many eggs: *116*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 2nd, 55d: Aug 12th, 65d: Aug 22nd
Success:
% success
Notes: The new nest, No. 24, was found in Zone 4 in the general area where the
big group of relocated nests resides (near the bathhouse). The nest contained a total of 116 eggs,
none of which were broken. The nest was relocated higher up to avoid keeping it in the high traffic
area around the bathhouse. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #23
Date it was laid: June 18
How many eggs: *131*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Aug 1st, 55d: Aug 11th, 65d: Aug 21st
Success: Hatched Aug 6
% success
Notes: Four attempts at nesting were made by momma turtles before one decided
to lay her eggs on the 18th! The nest was found by volunteers in Zone 4, south of the beach
bathhouse in the new sea grass area. Momma turtle laid a total of 131 eggs, none of which were
broken. Just to be safe, volunteers decided to move the nest to higher ground. |
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Running Total as of June 17
Number of Nests: 22 + 1
False Crawls: 37 |
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Compared to last season, 22 nests were laid by June 17, 2006. We ended
up with 62 nests last year, SO we are right on schedule for another above average nesting year!
Thank you so much for all your hard work with relocating Loggerhead Sea Turtle nests and everything
you have done to make the beach a better protected and cleaner and more stable nesting habitat for
our special animals! The recent sand fencing installation could not have come at a better time,
in the face of extreme (and totally unexpected) June high tides. ...laurel |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #22
Date it was laid: June 16
How many eggs: *129*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 30th, 55d: Aug 9th, 65d: Aug 19th
Success:
% success
Notes: The third nest found on the 16th was located in yet another zone on
the beach- Zone 2. Because Zone 2 has a great deal of erosion and down trees, volunteers
thought it best to relocate the nest to Zone 4. The nest contained a total of 129 eggs,
none of which were broken. |
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Your friendly neighborhood web witch was at the beach
this morning and saw a crawl that another visitor was checking. From
working with you all, I could tell her that although it looked like
people had walked all over the nest area (she was worried about it), our
turtle team had probed, found and moved the eggs to higher ground.
"Over there, under the netting, behind the orange tape." ...cyndi |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #21
Date it was laid: June 1
How many eggs: *107*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 30th, 55d: Aug 9th, 65d: Aug 19th
Success:
% success
Notes: The second nest was located in Zone 3. The nest contained a total
of 107 eggs, including a very odd egg finding! There was a very tiny egg (about 1/10th the
size of regular Loggerhead eggs) among the group of eggs within the nest. The egg is believed
to be hollow, but since it was intact, volunteers decided to leave it in with the other eggs
at the relocation site. The nest was relocated to the sand fencing area in Zone 3. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #20
Date it was laid: June 16
How many eggs: *124*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 30th, 55d: Aug 9th, 65d: Aug 19th
Success: Hatched Aug 6
% success
Notes: 3 NESTS! The 16th proved to be quite a productive nest-finding day
for the Friends volunteers! Nest 20 was found in Zone 4 of the beach. It contained a total
of 124 eggs, all intact. The nest was relocated to higher ground in Zone 4. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #19
Date it was laid: June 14
How many eggs: *96*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 28th, 55d: Aug 7th, 65d: Aug 17th
Success: Hatched Aug 6
% success
Notes: After quite a long spell of not finding a nest, Nest 19
was found in Zone 3 on the 14th. It contained a total of 96 eggs, none of which
were broken. The nest was relocated to the sand fencing area in Zone 3. |
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Today's nest count is up to 18 AND we had a Turtle on
the beach!!! It is not always easy to get to morning patrols with the
bridge delays, but if you want to get to see one of our nesting
beauties, you have to catch her as early as possible. Lucky Monday! ...vturtle
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #18
Date it was laid: June 11
How many eggs: *115*
(1 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 25th, 55d: Aug 4th, 65d: Aug 14th
Success:
% success
Notes: The very next day, volunteers came across Nest 18! This nest was
found in the mid to southern end of Zone 4. It contained a total of 115 eggs, one of which
was broken. The nest was relocated to higher ground to ensure that it didn't get washed
away by the tide. |
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As we all know, it is very difficult to walk away from a crawl and not
have that feeling that maybe you missed the chamber. Last year I shared a secret with you and
I am going to retell it again (just in case you don't remember the story, or maybe you are new).
It is called "Marilyn's Rule". Marilyn actually was one of the original Fripp Island
Loggerhead Patrol. She was a valuable asset as she came out most mornings. She was known to find
a nest even when there were no tracks at all. Marilyn has since moved away, but her legend lives on.
Her one step rule, seems to work nine times out of ten. Marilyn would say, "Just go to the end
of the incoming crawl and take one step in and you will find the nest." So the next time you
are out and have exhausted yourself and are feeling paranoid about leaving the crawl as a false
crawl, think of Marilyn's one step in rule, you just might surprise yourself. ...vturtle |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #17
Date it was laid: June 10
How many eggs: *99*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 24th, 55d: Aug 3rd, 65d: Aug 13th
Success:
% success
Notes: Today volunteers broke the odd-numbered nesting day streak with the
discovery of Nest 17. This nest was found at the north end of Zone 4. It contained a total of
99 eggs, all intact. The nest was relocated to a higher and safer area of beach to avoid
getting washed over by the tide.
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #16
Date it was laid: June 9
How many eggs: *132*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 23rd, 55d: Aug 2nd, 65d: Aug 12th
Success: Hatched Aug 6
% success
Notes: It's looking like the turtles prefer nesting on odd-numbered days!
Nest 16 was discovered by volunteers at the southern end of Zone 5. Out of nest safety
precautions, we decided to relocate the nest to Zone 4 where a couple other nests have been
relocated. This nest was particularly strange because of where it was laid. Momma turtle decided
to travel all the way up and between two cabins to lay her babies. Due to the space being a
potential high-traffic area, volunteers and staff decided to relocate the nest. This nest also
held some very strange egg shapes. We found eggs that were connected, or either didn't separate
while being developed inside of the mother turtle. These egg masses showed a continuous outer
shell, allowing inner-egg fluid to travel between the defined spheres. Two masses like these
were discovered and have a dumbbell shape to them. 132 eggs total were found. |
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Thursday's team had a slow start this season, but they
are picking up steam, or I guess I should say, picking up nests -- #15 today!!
And with much effort. They probed and re-probed and did some more probing only to
yet probe again. Some days it takes everyone to find the egg chamber.
...vturtle
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #15
Date it was laid: June 7
How many eggs: *126 *
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 21st, 55d: Jul 31st, 65d: Aug 10th
Success: Hatched
66.67% success
Notes: After a couple days of minimal to no turtle activity, volunteers located
a nest in Zone 4. This momma turtle laid 126 eggs total, and none of them were broken!
The nest was relocated higher up into Zone 4. |
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Tuesday's team had good news for us, and this morning's nests brings our total
up to 14!! At the same time, we had some bad news, and there is a good possibility that we have
lost a nest, during this last tropical storm. Mother nature sometimes doesn't
always do right in our eyes. ...vturtle
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #14
Date it was laid: June 5
How many eggs: *113*
(1 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 19th, 55d: Jul 29th, 65d: Aug 8th
Success: Hatched
96.46% success
Notes: (see below-Nest 8) As for Nest 14, volunteers found
the nest in Zone 4. It was laid within the tidal zone, so we decided to move it higher up in
a nice dune area with a couple other nests found this season. The nest contained a total of
113 eggs, one of which was broken. |
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Tropical storm Barry, joined in our weekend Turtle party and helped wash in
several crawls and two nests!! We have a baker's dozen of "13" nests total. Just as a
reminder, rain and even tropical storms do not stop our Turtles. Being that they are Sea Turtles,
they are used to it, even if we are not. We ask everyone to use good judgment, when deciding to
make the trip to the Park for morning patrols. If there is lightening stay home. If you are not
comfortable out in wet weather, stay home. If it is just rain, then grab the rain gear and head
on out, our beach has to be patrolled every day no matter what. If it is super bad, then the Park
staff will make a beach pass during lulls in the storm. ...vturtle |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #13
Date it was laid: June 2
How many eggs: *104*
(1 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 16th, 55d: Jul 26th, 65d: Aug 5th
Success:
% success
Notes: A second turtle chose to come onto the beach of Hunting Island on the 2nd
and lay her eggs as well! After exploring this nest located in Zone 3, volunteers found 104 eggs
total, one of which was broken. Since the nest was laid within the tidal zone, volunteers
chose to move this nest closer to the sand fencing in Zone 3. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #12
Date it was laid: June 2
How many eggs: *121*
(2 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 16th, 55d: Jul 26th, 65d: Aug 5th
Success:
% success
Notes: Momma Turtle decided to visit the campground beach to lay her eggs. She
wasn't afraid of the heavy human traffic! However, volunteers were concerned about her babies
hatching in such a highly populated area, so we moved the nest to a much more quiet area near the
sand fencing in Zone 3 along the lighthouse area. The turtle laid 121 eggs total, two of which were
broken. |
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Friday's team had a big time workout today. There were four
false crawls and nest #11 to relocate. Hope they all have put their feet up and are celebrating!
And I hope that the Turtle, who made the four false crawls, is resting and waiting for some of
our weekend crew. Again, the Turtles this season are tending to be a test for our Probers.
So all teams, keep that in mind and plan on taking as much time as it takes to find that egg
chamber. ...vturtle |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #11
Date it was laid: June 1
How many eggs: *150*
(5 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 15th, 55d: Jul 25th, 65d: Aug 4th
Success: Hatched
% success
Notes: The nests just keep on comin'! One feisty momma turtle tried several
locations for her babies before laying a nest in Zone 3, north of the bath house. Volunteers
found many false crawls in the southern half of the beach, many of which had turtle body pits
and attempted nest holes. After exploring the Zone 3 nest, volunteers found 150 total eggs, 5 of
which were broken. The sand at this location was very tough and full of shell pieces and stone,
possibly contributing to the number of broken eggs. The nest was relocated to higher ground. |
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Running Total as of May 31
Number of Nests: 10 + 1
False Crawls: |
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At last, Thursday's team has their first nest under their belt and are
ready for more!! This nest was left on the beach, just up from the bathhouse at South Beach.
What fun for our Turtle Bathing Beauties! But always take special note of this nest, because
it is out in the open and totally exposed to the surrounding beach activity. It will be a nest
that all beach goers will enjoy seeing and possibly may end up being the most perfect for a
night watch.We also had a PLUS nest today. The nest was found up the beach from
my house (Vivian) and had 163 eggs. As we here in Coffin Point have very little beach,
the nest took a road trip and was relocated to Hunting Island. It should be interesting
to see how the road trip affected these Turtle Cousins. ...vturtle |
Loggerhead
in the ocean!
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #CP1
Date it was laid: May 31
How many eggs: *163*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 14th, 55d: Jul 24th, 65d: Aug 3rd
Success: Hatched
% success
Notes: Also on this day, Hunting Island received a "foster nest"
from the home beach of one of the Volunteers, Vivian Wayne. The nest came to us from Coffin
Point, and is therefore named "CP1" for our records. The nest had a total of 163 eggs
and is located on Hunting Island in Zone 4, just south of the bathhouse. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #10
Date it was laid: May 31
How many eggs: *??*
(1 broken)
Relocated? NO
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 14th, 55d: Jul 24th, 65d: Aug 3rd
Success: Hatched
70.80% success
Notes: One momma turtle wanted to end May right by coming onto the beach to
lay her eggs! This nest was located in Zone 3, just North of the beach house. The nest was in
a perfect location, so volunteers decided to leave it where momma put it! One broken egg was
found after probing. Total egg count is not known at this time. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #9
Date it was laid: May 30
How many eggs: *112 *
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 13th, 55d: Jul 23rd, 65d: Aug 2nd
Success: Hatched July 23
67.86% success
Notes: It seems like the sea turtles took a holiday during Memorial Day Weekend!
Our 9th nest was found on the 30th in Zone 4. 112 total eggs were discovered by our volunteers. |
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From June 4th: After Tropical Depression Barry swept
through the area, high tides were much higher than normal due to the storm and the full moon phase.
Because of such high tides, one of our beloved nests - Nest 8, was washed away into the sea.
After this occurrence, we talked with DNR to get clearance to move a nest that was just a little
higher than but in the same location as nest 8. We successfully relocated
Nest 2 to safer ground in Zone 4.
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #8
Date it was laid: May 26
How many eggs: *138*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 9th, 55d: Jul 19th, 65d: Jul 29th
Success: Washed away
0% success
Notes: The third nest for the 26th was found in Zone 5. To date, Nest 8 holds
the most eggs for the 2007 season for Hunting Island, with a total of 138 eggs. The nest was
relocated a little higher than where it was laid within Zone 5.
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #7B
Date it was laid: May 26
How many eggs: *??*
*126*
Relocated? NO YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 9th, 55d: Jul 19th, 65d: Jul 29th
Success: Hatched
42.62% success
Notes: (Moved in June, see above) The second of the
three nests found on the 26th was very special indeed! Not only did momma turtle pick an
excellent place to lay her eggs, but she decided to stay on the beach long enough for our
volunteers to see!!! This momma turtle was affectionately named "Stumpy" during her
visit to the beach last year because of her loss of a complete right rear flipper. That signature
flipper was all it took to let the volunteers know she had returned to Hunting Island for the
2007 laying season. Volunteers spotted Stumpy at her nest, actually laying eggs, within Zone 4.
The nest was left "in situ" so an approximate egg count will have to wait until the
nestlings hatch. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #6
Date it was laid: May 26
How many eggs: *125 *
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 9th, 55d: Jul 19th, 65d: Jul 29th
Success: Hatched
81.60% success
Notes: What an active turtle day! Three nests were found on the 26th (congrats
Saturday Turtlers!). The first of three was found at the far north end of the island in Zone 1.
Volunteers found 125 eggs total within the nest. The nest was relocated a little further back
from the tide line in the same general area as it was laid. |
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Our 5th nest was found today, but not very easily -- these ladies
are being very tricky!! Actually there were three false crawls and the team after much effort,
had all but given up. And you guessed it, Buddy to the rescue (THANKS again Buddy, you are our
hero!). So all teams keep this in mind, take your time and remember it is not always the first
or second attempt, that reveals the egg chamber. And don't forget to call your neighboring
Prober, to come take a look when they are done and give you that second opinion. The season is off
to a nice start, and if you recall last year, our nesters were pretty much party gals -- most
nests were located on the weekends. It should be interesting to see what prevails the next few
weekends. (But then again, there is no place for fun like Hunting Island, no matter what day it
is!) ...vturtle |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #5
Date it was laid: May 25
How many eggs: *133*
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 8th, 55d: Jul 18th, 65d: Jul 28th
Success: Hatched
84.86% success
Notes: Nest No. 5 was found in Zone 4 and contained a
total of 133 eggs. Volunteers relocated this nest to higher (and safer!)
ground so that it wouldn't get washed away by the incoming tide.
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #4
Date it was laid: May 23
How many eggs: *68 *
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 6th, 55d: Jul 16th, 65d: Jul 26th
Success: Hatched
% success
Notes: The fourth nest is our smallest nest-egg count thus far this season,
with a total of 68 eggs. The nest was originally laid by the momma turtle in Zone 5,
but volunteers relocated the eggs to Zone 4. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #3
Date it was laid: May 22
How many eggs: *???*
Relocated? NO
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 5th, 55d: Jul 15th, 65d: Jul 25th
Success: Hatched
91.60% success
Notes: Turtle seen laying eggs during 6 a.m. patrol! Nest three was our first
"in situ" nest, meaning that volunteers left the nest in its place after probing.
The nest was located in a safe spot high above the wrack (line of dead Spartina grass) in the
central Zone 4 area. Because the volunteers did not relocate the nest, we do not have an egg
count at this time. Approximate count will be estimated during nest post-hatch assessment. |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #2
Date it was laid: May 21
How many eggs: *128*
(1 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: Jul 4th, 55d: Jul 14th, 65d: Jul 24th
Success: Hatched July 23
(61 unhatched, 4
dead)
38.28% success
Notes: Nest No. 2 was found at the southern end of Zone
5 after a long 4-day nest drought. Volunteers uncovered 128 eggs total,
one of which was broken. The nest was relocated to an upper dune area in
Zone 5 because the original nest was laid at the high tide line. |
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We found our first Loggerhead Sea Turtle nest today! In zone 3 near
the lighthouse, with 2 false crawls besides. We think she was looking for the perfect spot!
It still had to be relocated as it was right on the wrack line of the dead marsh grass that
washes in with the high high tides we have been having. The season has officially begun on
Hunting Island! Our Wednesday team was just about ready to give up and call it false crawl
number three for the day, when Buddy Lawrence came along and gave it one more probe. (Thank
You Buddy!) So keep in mind, that when a crawl has many of the signs associated with a nest,
and the egg chamber has eluded you, call on your radio to the next zone and invite their Prober
to come and give a second try. ...vturtle |
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2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #1
Date it was laid: May 16
How many eggs: *130*
(2 broken)
Relocated? YES
Date we expect it to hatch:
45d: June 29th, 55d: Jul 9th, 65d: Jul 19th
Success: Hatched Jul
26.92% success
Notes: First Nest of the Season went to the Wednesday Turtlers! The nest was
found in Zone 3 and contained a total of 130 eggs (two were broken). The nest was relocated by
volunteers a little more north of the original location.
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Last Year's Nests - 2006
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