Tuesday, September 9th - Emergence of N06R

 After several days of evidence of underground hatching activity through a continually deepening depression at the nest, our Tuesday volunteers were happy to see the emergence of N 6R this morning at day 60. 

Nest 06R was laid on July 11, on the lower end of the island. After observing how high the tide rose in the wake of TS Chantal just a few days earlier, we realized the nest was in a vulnerable position, and elected to move the nest to a safer location closer to the dune. The original nest was 18” deep.106 eggs were laid. 3 eggs were found broken at the bottom of the nest - one was used as the DNA  sample. 103 eggs were relocated to their new home. 

This nest, like others on our beach this year, was under almost constant attack by ghost crabs during its incubation. An additional threat, in the form of off shore hurricane Erin, brought coastal flooding and a very high tide to within inches of the nest. Fortunately, it does not appear the nest itself was over washed.

The wrack and water brought in by the high tide got within inches of the nest cavity. 

After everything the nest had been through, we were happy to see a conventional emergence hole today and lots of tiny tracks fanning out in a typical pattern heading for the water.

Our happiness soon turned to concern when we realized the hatchlings’ path was over an area laced with ghost crab holes standing between the nest and the water. From then on, it was a battle between us and the ghost crabs, as we literally were wrangling hatchlings from the crabs’underground lairs. We found a dead hatchling on the surface, and could see hatchlings half in/half out of various holes, some still struggling to free themselves from their captors. We managed to locate 4 additional hatchlings. One was still being pulled downward as we engaged in a tug of war to free it. Thankfully, we won that one. In all we located 5 hatchlings- 3 alive, 2 dead.

                              Note all the ghost crab holes between the nest and the water

      

           Dead hatchling found outside a ghost crab hole. Sample used for DNA for the new paternity study.

                          2 of the lucky ones, listless from fatigue and probably a large measure of fright, but alive!

We placed  the 3 surviving warriors in a sandy bottomed bucket for some much needed rest. It was cloudy and cool, so we thought the break would do them good. 

Soon, they appeared much more lively, and we launched them on their way. Two dove into the big king tide surf and never looked back. The third seemed to have a front flipper issue and couldn’t get himself past the first big set of waves. He kept washing up about 20 feet down shore. We let him rest a little longer, then helped him out past the first big waves and released him in calmer waters. He did appear to be able to swim away😊 

Safe travels little ones. You had a memorable start in life and are battle tested for the journey ahead.

This was our new volunteer Sherry’s first emergence experience. She had been out of town, but came home early because she had a feeling today would be the day. She was so right. We did warn her most emergences are not this action packed!

             It’s all smiles, saving this baby from those pesky ghost crabs and helping it on it’s way! 

Pics by Sherry and Kim. Summary by Kim T.

All sea turtle monitoring by Waties Island Sea Turtle Patrol is permitted and authorized by SCDNR Marine Conservation Program under permit MTP 500.