Sea Turtle Nests Everywhere!
I smile every time I walk out to the beach now that they’ve fixed our neighborhood walkway. Erosion from the passing of Gustav caused the dune under the walkway to wash out, and the SRIA boarded it up. Well, as of a few weeks ago, it is finally fixed. Thanks SRIA!
But what was even more surprising, was the fact that I have not one, but TWO sea turtle nests within a stone’s throw away!
I’m not sure how I missed these the last few days, as they couldn’t be any closer to my house. Last year, one day on the beach, Barrier Island Girl told me what the numbers and letters on the posts represent, but my memory is spotty now. Hopefully she can chime in and remind us all what’s going on here. I’m guessing the first few numbers represent when they were found (6-03 and 6-15). How can we calculate when they are going to be hatched?
I do know this: the eggs are very fragile, and should be left alone. It is unfortunate that we see what appear to be children’s footprints and drawings over the nests. This can put the baby turtles at great risk. Parents, please keep kids and pets out of the nests!
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Hey there, Dave! You’re exactly right. The nests are very fragile.
Numbering on the nests are as follows:
First number is the month (in which it was found).
Next two numbers are the day (01 – 31)
Fourth number is the number of this nest for the day – first, second, etc. found by the personal patrolling.
Initials of the voluteer or biotech who found the nest follow.
The nest will hatch approximately 60 days later, depending on temps.
Guess I’ll be nest sitting near you in August!
DJ
Oops, I meant to say the meaning of ‘Numbering on the stakes’ at the nests are as follows.
Wow, Dave……looks like the water is still VERY close to the walkover!!!
Kathy in MN