Two More Nests Have Emerged Overnight!

 Finding a crawl is exciting but knowing that the nest has hatched and emerged is even more exciting! More hatchlings are making their way in the world.

We found that Nest 1, which is 66 days old today, had emerged last night. There were lots of hatchling tracks but also some ghost crab tracks. Those pesky crabs hauled two hatchlings back into the dunes. Luckily, our volunteers followed the drag marks and were able to rescue one hatchling. Felt good to help it along its way. We also saw a strong and vigorous straggler making its way to the ocean. 

Nest 1 - 66 days old

Hatchling tracks :)

The rescued little one

Off they go!

On up the island further, we came upon our second emergence of the day - Nest 4, our "nest with a view" on top of the dunes. It was 53 days old. Not so many tracks visible at this nest; the wind has been erasing some of the evidence. But some tracks were still visible in the areas protected from the wind.

Nest 4 up on the top of a dune

A few tracks visible around the shrub

On the other side of the shrub too

One of our nests this season has been plagued by ghost crabs. We have taken precautions (a screen and traps have been installed) but still they persist. Kaela was a brave soul this morning reaching into the crab tunnel to try to pull it out but nobody was home this morning. 

Several more nests should be emerging soon; Nest 2 had a depression (a precursor to hatching). This is an exciting time for all the volunteers.

Thanks to the team for sharing their photos this morning 😎

Barb and Steve