Day 60 for Nest #1

Today marked Day 60 for Nest #1 and the volunteers this morning, Valerie, Gail, Bobbie, Kathy and Linda, noticed a slight depression over the egg chamber and a ghost crab hole close to the reed marking the center of the nest.






















They actually saw the crab enter the hole, so we decided it was time to utilize the "Fripp Island Ghost Crab Trap" again.




















As we were removing the cage, at the upper right corner about 9 inches below the surface of the sand, 4 hatchlings fell through the wall of the cage!

Were they caught in the ghost crab tunnel? No way to know for sure, but now that they were out, we needed to release them as soon as possible.

All four turtles made it to the ocean and are on their way.

Maybe tonight will bring the major emergence we've been waiting for! We'll let you know,

Barb and Steve

SURPRISE !!

After so many weeks without even a false crawl, Waties walkers were rewarded for their perseverance. This mama turtle came up just above Marker 6 and spent a good bit of time there, an indication that there might be a nest.

And sure enough, there it was. It wasn't a big turtle, her track width was 29", but she got the job done.





We took one egg from the nest for the ongoing genetics study being conducted in NC, SC and GA.

The Thursday team, Rob, Donita, Steve, guest walker Betty, Sherry, Sandy, Donna and Bob, had some help from Valerie's granddaughter, Caitlyn, from New York. Her brother Cory is just off camera.

Thanks for sharing your photos, Valerie! Barb and Steve

Red White and Blue

Those turtles must have gotten quite a show from the ocean last night - fireworks galore! There was evidence of people celebrating the 4th on Waties too; umbrellas keeping watch on the beach.

There was also a wreath with very fragrant roses that washed up overnight too.

The North Myrtle Beach Sea Turtle Patrol now has a Facebook page for you to check out:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Myrtle-Beach-Sea-Turtle-Patrol/128522370519758?ref=sgm