Wednesday, August 28th - Nest #20 - A Wild Nest Discovered!

 It was a clear, sunny, 74º morning with the mosquitoes giving us a short break at least until the heat and humidity started rising. Still, when it comes to the mosquitoes we will take any break we can get.

As we patrolled the island we filled in the ghost crab holes at the different nests they've been harassing.

Shortly after passing PN6, a happy surprise was discovered. Hatchling tracks. Multiples of hatchling tracks! Yes, I spotted Wild Nest #20 and it had emerged. I think this must be what Cloud 9 feels like! 

A scope of the area and the 2 large gc holes on each side didn't present any hatchlings or eggshells so we are hopeful that all the hatchlings made it to ocean. After finishing walking to the last few nests, we made a quick trip back to the shed to get a nest cage to help protect any late-to-the-boil-party hatchling that may still need to emerge. 

I am thankful to have patrolled today with Leslie P, Leslie Y, Kathy, and Chris, and share in the joy of finding the wild nest.  

The trip back when all was finished felt heavenly to be in Leslie P's AC  and truck, especially when she looked up and spied an Osprey in the same tree as an Egret. Just one more reminder what a blessing it is to be a part of this Waities Island Turtle Patrol.

by Leslie P and Kim P.  Text by Kim P.

All sea turtle monitoring by Waties Island Sea Turtle Patrol is permitted and authorized by the SCDNR Marine Turtle Conservation Program under Marin Turtle Permit MT500