The inventories of Nest 1 and Nest 2R, whose emergence were discovered on Monday, July 28, were originally scheduled for yesterday. Mother Nature had other ideas.
This early morning storm had us scurrying off the beach before we could complete either inventory.
Today, under much improved skies, the Friday team, joined by numerous volunteers, were able to complete those inventories.
But first, they stopped up island at Nest 3 which emerged on Tuesday, July 29, and scheduled for inventory today. This nest was initially discovered by our Thursday crew on June 5. It was laid in a prefect location on the beach so it was left in it’s original position (in situ). Signs of an emergence were found at day 54.
Leslie provided the nest background, instructions, and assignments. Several new volunteers stepped up to dig and be helpers and sorters. We’d barely gotten started when we heard the exited cry “ hatchlings,” which, to the disappointment of all, brought an end to the evacuation. Several lively hatchlings were found near the top of the nest, but no eggs had been found first. Per SCDNR protocol, the nest was recovered to allow the hatchlings the proper time to emerge naturally and when fully ready.
“We’re not quite ready for our journey just yet.”
We packed up and moved on to Nest 2R. Happily, we were able to proceed with this inventory. This nest was laid on May 22, and was also discovered by our Thursday team. The nest was laid at the far end of the island where there is little beach area beyond the high tide line, and where the danger of numerous wash overs is high. The eggs were relocated to a safer area down the beach. This nest emerged at 67 days.
Three live hatchlings were found during the evacuation. This time, hatched eggs were found first allowing us to proceed. All were delighted to watch them make their way to the water at the conclusion of the inventory.
Inventory results: Hatched 109, Unhatched 19, Dead hatchlings 2 (used for new DNA paternity study), Live hatchlings 3. Eggs/hatchlings lost prior to inventory 6. Hatch success rate 77.3%. Emergence rate 73.7%
On to Nest 1. This nest was discovered by Wednesday volunteers on May 21. Our first momma of the season also selected a good location for her nest so no movement was necessary. This nest emerged on day 68.
Inventory results: Hatched 89, Unhatched 22, Dead hatchlings 1, Live hatchlings 0. Hatch success rate 79.4%. Emergence rate 78.5%.
It was a great day for our volunteers!
Pics by Cherie, Julie, Carolyn, Kathy, Kim P. Summary by Kim T.
All sea turtle monitoring by WISTP is permitted and authorized by SCDNR Marine Conservation Program under MTP500.
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