Sunday, July 29th Waties News

Another frustrating day trying to get our morning walk in between thunderstorms.  We did go out later than normal, and got most of the island covered, at least where are current nests are located.  Nest 13 did havean eggshell outside the large ghost crab hole.  While getting ready to cover the hole up again, and looking for other eggshells, uncovered some hatchlings laying under the sand.  There were three, 2 had expired, but one did move.  Two of the hatchlings were tangled up in some type of nylon string/wire. Bob and I finally got the nylon wire cut, using the shovel.  When the hatchling that was moving was freed, it took off for the ocean.  He made it safely.

Nest #4 continues to be harassed by ghost crabs, we lost 4 more eggs today. One ghost crab was caught in the traps located at this nest.  Leslie walked up to this nest to check on it.  Did not walk to the end, storm was rolling in.

Bob and Diane who checked the other nests caught 2 more ghost crabs at Nest #6.  They reported that Nest#10 had a ghost crab hole right at the reed.  No shells were reported.  They covered the hole.

Karen and Sharon checked the nests on the short end, all was good.

Many thanks to Sharon, Karen, Bob and Diane for hanging in there and getting this accomplished between thunder storms.

Three hatchlings found at the ghost crab hole

Nylon string/wire was tangled around two of the hatchlings

Serving hatchling with some type of nylon string/wire around his head and one of his flippers, two of the hatchlings were toggled together, one made it to the ocean

Egg shells at Nest #4 - they were scattered all over the nest area

Nest 4

Egg shells are scattered all around the nest site