Friday, September 15 - Inventory of Nest 7R

 Fall was in the air this morning as our Friday team headed up island to check on the status of our remaining nests. A beautiful sunrise, cool breeze at our back, and big/very active wave action, courtesy of far-off Hurricane Lee, made for a very pleasant journey. The huge mosquitos, which plagued volunteers all week, thankfully took the day off😊

After all nests were checked and deemed resting comfortably, we joined a large group of volunteers and guests at the lower end of the island to complete the inventory of Nest 7R. This nest was found on July 18, and was our only nest on the Hog Inlet end of the island this year. It was relocated by the Tuesday team to a spot more favorable on the beach. The nest emerged on September 12 - day 56. 

Joining us for the first time this season were members of the CCU Sea Turtle Club. These club members are invited to participate in inventories once they have attended the yearly presentation provided on campus each fall by Leslie. After being reminded of proper procedures, fifteen excited and eager students dug into the nest, filled helper roles, and completed the sorting and counting duties - all under the watchful eyes of seasoned volunteers and leads. 

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To the delight of all, a live hatchling was found near the bottom of the nest. As always happens in this situation, all work is halted for a time while all present dote over the little one, taking turns holding him and taking pictures. 

Work eventually resumed, the nest emptied of hatched and unhatched egg shells, and the results tallied. Good result! 104 hatched, 21 unhatched, one live hatchling. Hatch success 82.5%, emergence success 81.7%.

We all accompanied the hatchling to the ocean, snapping more pics and encouraging him on his journey. Some big waves to navigate out there, little fellow! We wish you well.

 

Long serving friends, Barb, Val and Linda happy to meet up with each other this morning….

while potential future turtle ladies celebrate a great morning and job well done!

~~In honor of our first fall like day of the season- What do you use to mend a jack-o-lantern? A pumpkin patch😊

Photos by Melissa, Barb, Leslie and Kim. Text by Kim

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