Tuesday, September 3rd - Nest 14 Emerged

 Just a beautiful cool morning on the beach this morning.

As we walked up the beach checking the remaining nests, we were welcomed with hatchling tracks coming from Nest 14.  Nest 14 is one of our natural nests, laid on July 6th, emerged on day 59.  She laid her nest high and dry, but it was in the area of the beach that really was impacted by blowing sand.  This nest has been cleared of feet of sand several times over the incubation season.  We even put up sand fences to help redirect the blowing sand.  Last Monday, the Lead and several volunteers moved about 2 1/2 feet off of the top of the nest.  The Monday Volunteers did report a depression.

We were blessed in spotting two hatchlings heading to the ocean.  We walked down and got to watch these two hatchling enter the water.  They may not of been paying attention to hear the "Lets go" signal.

One our way back, we spotted another hatchling heading to the water, so we got to see three stragglers make it from the nest to the ocean - long trip from the nest to the water.

Good Luck little ones . . . .  

Text and pictures by Leslie P 

Waties Island performs research and management activities regarding sea turtle conservation in accordance with SCDNR Permit Number MTP500.