Great news today, Nest 9R emerged, finally. A depression was reported on 9/12 but no activity since that date. Yes, the reed was leaning over, and the depression bigger, but no signs of hatchlings. From their tracks, many made it out, hopefully close to high tide. This nest was one of our "relocated" nests. It was laid on July 24th, at Hog Inlet, but it was in an area of the beach that is an erosion zone. Her track was 33 inches wide. The nest was moved after Marker 2, left of the beach access road - a nice high dry area of the beach. She laid 82 eggs, and one was used for our DNA sample. An inventory date will be announced.
There were also 2 hatched eggs found on the surface, and Jewel saw a movement in the sand, right where our hatchlings come out. Looking closer, it was a Ghost Crab, Leslie removed the cage, confiscated the two eggshells, and quickly grabbed the Ghost Crab and flung him from the nest. Before flinging, the volunteers were given a "watch out" warning.
Very nice morning to walk and enjoy the sun rise. It will soon be over, we have one more nest to go.
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